40,000 gig workers launch flash strike in India demanding fair pay and security

Author: Peter Clarkin, MA

January 8, 2026

On December 31st, a nationwide flash strike was held by the labour union the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT), which called for fairer wages and to improve government regulation and protection for all gig workers in the country. The 40,000 delivery workers who took part in the strike have described a system that puts inhumane pressure on all involved, and have demanded immediate steps to usher in fundamental improvements. 

Strikes took place in the major cities of Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, in which app-based delivery drivers immediately called for a ban on marketing messages that promise customers that all orders within 3km will be delivered in ten minutes. The striking workers say that the message provides unrealistic expectations to customers living in India’s cities, which are infamous for their congested roads, and can subsequently lead to poor reviews for the driver in question. 

For those who are dependent on app-based platforms, a reliable stream of income is often difficult to achieve. Many of the labour groups involved in the strike have stated that there is an essential need for a minimum monthly income for gig workers, ranging between US$266 to $450 per month. 

The money paid to gig delivery drivers is often determined by algorithms that the apps use to establish hourly earnings, and which calculate penalties for the rejection or cancellation of an order by the driver. Labour groups have called for greater transparency as to how these algorithms operate, specifically how an individual workers’ hourly rate is calculated. 

The Indian government has also been called to do more to strengthen the rights of app-based delivery drivers, as labor laws in the country have only recently provided some representation for gig workers, though the laws are severely limited. For example, app-based workers are only eligible to be registered for social security, and do not receive any guarantees in regard to minimum wages or fixed hours, both of which contribute to the long-term security of workers. 

As the gig-economy continues to grow, app-based delivery drivers in India are likely to continue to see an environment in which their services continue to remain essential for customers who value speed above all. For workers to be provided with an income source that is stable and secure, it is paramount that the Indian government applies  additional pressure and regulations on  gig economy companies to ensure that  app-based delivery workers receive the same security afforded to workers in other industries.  

Glossary

• App-based delivery drivers – Workers who use smartphone apps to deliver food, groceries, or parcels for companies.

• App-based platforms – Digital companies or apps that connect customers with workers and control work through algorithms.

• Essential workers – People whose jobs are necessary for society to function, especially during emergencies.

• Flash strike – A sudden, short strike organised quickly to protest pay or working conditions.

• Fundamental – extremely important and necessary. 

• Gig workers – Workers who do short-term or flexible jobs instead of having permanent employment.

• Inhumane – Extremely unfair or cruel in the way people are treated.

• Infamous – Well known for something bad or negative.

• Labour laws – Government rules that protect workers’ rights, including pay, safety, and working hours.

• Marketing messages – The words, images, or ideas a company uses to promote or sell a product or service.

• Minimum monthly income – The lowest amount of money a worker should earn in a month to meet basic living needs.

• Penalisations – Punishments or disadvantages given to workers, such as fines, reduced pay, or fewer work opportunities.

• Social security – Government systems that provide financial support, healthcare, or pensions during illness, injury, or unemployment.

• Transparency – Being open, honest, and clear about actions, decisions, or information.

Sources

1. https://progressive.international/wire/2025-12-29-indias-gig-workers-strike-for-dignity-and-protection/en/

2. https://ifat.org.in/

3. https://edition.cnn.com/2026/01/01/india/india-gig-workers-delivery-strike-intl-hnk

4. https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/high-and-dry-on-gig-workers-social-security/article70470838.ece

5. https://www.msn.com/en-in/money/topstories/scale-doesn-t-excuse-shifting-all-risk-to-workers-hidden-power-gap-in-india-s-gig-economy/ar-AA1TC3VB?ocid=finance-verthp-feeds

6. https://www.dw.com/en/india-gig-economy-work-conditions-treatment-minimum-wage-income-new-delhi/a-75397994

7. https://theprint.in/opinion/labour-codes-harsh-reality-gig-work/2818744/