New Delhi: If you are planning to order biryani or pizza for your New Year’s Eve party tonight, you might want to have a backup plan.
In a massive disruption to New Year celebrations, delivery partners of major platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, and Amazon have announced a nationwide strike today, December 31, 2025. The strike, called by multiple gig worker unions, threatens to delay or completely halt food and grocery deliveries in major cities just as the party orders peak.
Why Are They on Strike Today?
According to the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) and the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT), the strike is a protest against “unfair labor practices.”
- Key Demands: Workers are demanding a return to the old payout structure, better safety protocols, and a cap on the grueling “10-minute delivery” targets which they claim put lives at risk during festive rushes.
- The Statement: “We are not machines. While the country celebrates, we are pushed to work for 14 hours for peanuts. Today, we switch off our IDs,” stated Shaik Salauddin, a prominent union leader, in a press briefing cited by Hindustan Times.
Which Cities Are Affected?
While the impact is nationwide, the strike is expected to be most severe in:
- Metros: Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.
- Tier-2 Cities: Reports of service disruptions are also coming from Jammu, Chandigarh, and Lucknow, where delivery partners have organized rally points.
What This Means for You
- Delays: Expect “Service Unavailable” messages or delivery times exceeding 90 minutes on food apps tonight.
- Surge Pricing: Due to the shortage of riders, delivery fees might spike to 3x or 4x the normal rate.
- Smart Move: If you have a party, try to pick up the food yourself from the restaurant or cook at home to avoid disappointment.
Company Response
So far, the platforms (Swiggy/Zomato) have not issued an official suspension of services, but their algorithms are already showing “High Demand” warnings. They are reportedly trying to incentivize riders with extra “New Year Bonuses” to break the strike, but the turnout remains uncertain.
What Happens Next?
- Midnight Rush: The situation is expected to worsen between 7:00 PM and 11:00 PM tonight when order volumes hit their annual peak.
- Resolution: Unions have stated this is a “warning strike.” If demands are not met, an indefinite agitation may follow in January 2026.
FAQs
The call for strike covers Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, Zepto, and Amazon. However, participation varies by area. You might find a rider in some zones, but don’t count on it.
Yes, apps usually process refunds for unfulfilled orders, but it might take 24-48 hours to reflect in your account.
Some cab drivers affiliated with the same unions might join the protest, leading to fewer cabs and higher fares tonight. Plan your travel accordingly.
Disclaimer
This news report is based on statements from the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT) and media reports as of 4:00 PM, December 31, 2025. Service availability depends on local rider participation.
Also Read:
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- Highway Alert: Srinagar-Jammu Traffic Update & Snow Forecast for Jan 1 – Check Timing
- Alert: WhatsApp Will Stop Working on These Phones From Tomorrow (Jan 1) – Check Full List
- Alert: 5 Major Rules Changing From Jan 1, 2026 – UPI, Cars & Sim Cards
