New Labour Reforms: Gig workers across India are set to halt deliveries on Christmas (December 25) and New Year’s Eve (December 31).
The gig workers across platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, Amazon and Flipkart are protesting low pay, unsafe conditions and lack of social security.
New Labour Reforms: What’s The Strike About?
Organized by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union and Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers, the strike demands end to arbitrary account blocks, fair wages, insurance, social security, safety gear and regulated work hours.
Delivery partners in metros and tier-2 cities face a lot of worrying issues such as plummeting incentives, 10-minute delivery pressures risking accidents and no rest breaks, fueling unrest.
In the recent past, platforms like Zomato and Swiggy have claimed that compliance with new codes won’t dent finances. However, workers dismiss this, viewing strikes as a wake-up call for collective bargaining rights.
What If The New Labour Reforms Were Already Implemented?
For the first time, the Code on Social Security defines gig/platform workers. In other words, the law now mandates aggregators to contribute 1-2 percent of their annual turnover (capped at 5 percent of worker payouts) to a welfare fund for health insurance, accidents, maternity benefits and pensions.
Moreover, Aadhaar-linked universal accounts ensure portable benefits across states, while platforms must provide written terms, timely wages by the 7th of each month, and safety standards.
New laws address core grievances in different ways, such as:
- Social security funds could fund insurance and pensions unions’ demands.
- Expanded Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) covers even single-worker hazardous gigs.
- Minimum wages, double overtime pay, and annual health checks for over-40s align with calls for fair structures and rest.
When Will The New Labour Reforms Get Fully Operational?
The new labour reforms announced on November 21, 2025. They will be fully operational from April 1, 2026.
Now comes the big question – will platforms step up, or will New Year’s Eve amplify calls for faster delivery?
