Archive · 2 Jan 2026
Zomato, Blinkit Deliver Record Orders Amid Strike
On New Year's Eve, Zomato and Blinkit delivered a record number of orders, even though some gig workers had called for a strike.
The companies said they delivered over 7.5 million orders to more than 6.3 million customers.
This was possible because most delivery partners chose to work despite the strike calls.
The companies also said they didn't offer any extra pay to the delivery partners beyond the usual higher pay they give on New Year's Eve.
Some unions, like the Gig & Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU), claimed that many workers joined the strike, but the companies and other reports said that deliveries went smoothly.
The unions want better pay, safer working conditions, and to be recognized as employees instead of 'partners'.
The companies' CEO, Deepinder Goyal, thanked the delivery partners and local authorities for their support and said the gig economy is an important job creator in India.
He also explained that the 10-minute delivery promise is based on store density and not on making delivery partners drive faster.
However, the unions argue that the 10-minute delivery model is unsafe and needs regulation.
Additionally, Goyal shared videos on social media showing delivery partners being harassed, alleging that some protesters were not even delivery partners but agents of political interests.
Netizens were divided, with some supporting Goyal's views and others questioning them.
Zomato and Blinkit delivered a record 75 lakh (7.5 million) orders on New Year's Eve, serving 63 lakh (6.3 million) customers.
The delivery was unaffected by strike calls from gig workers, with 4.5 lakh (450,000) delivery partners working as usual.
No additional incentives were offered beyond the usual higher pay given on New Year's Eve.
The Gig & Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU) claimed over 100,000 workers from 22 cities joined the strike, demanding fair wages, better working conditions, and employee status.
Local law enforcement supported the companies in maintaining smooth operations, preventing disruptions by a 'small number of miscreants'.
- Who
- Zomato and Blinkit delivery partners, local law enforcement, Gig & Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU)
- What
- Record deliveries on New Year's Eve despite strike calls by gig workers
- When
- New Year's Eve (December 31, 2025)
- Where
- Across India
- Why
- To meet high demand and despite calls for strikes by gig workers
Company Perspective
Union Perspective
Strike Impact
Company Perspective
The strike had minimal impact, with 4.5 lakh delivery partners working normally and record deliveries being made.
Union Perspective
Over 100,000 workers participated in the strike, demanding better wages and working conditions.
Incentives
Company Perspective
No additional incentives were offered beyond the usual higher pay on New Year's Eve.
Union Perspective
The incentive spike was termed as propaganda to dilute the strike rather than addressing long-standing issues.
10-Minute Delivery System
Company Perspective
The system relies on operational density and optimized store placement, not pressuring delivery partners to drive faster.
Union Perspective
The 10-minute delivery model is unsafe and needs regulation to ensure worker safety and fair wages.
- Total Orders Delivered
- 75 lakh (7.5 million)
- Delivery Partners Involved
- 4.5 lakh (450,000)
- Customers Served
- 63 lakh (6.3 million)
- Strike Participants (Claimed by GIPSWU)
- 100,000 workers from 22 cities
- Peak Incentives per Order
- Rs 120–Rs 150
- Peak Hours for Incentives
- 6 pm to 12 am
- Key Union Involved
- Gig & Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU)
- Union's Demands
- Fair wages, 8-hour workdays, health insurance, safe conditions, and full worker rights
Sources
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'Agents of political interests': Zomato's Deepinder Goyal shares video of assault on delivery boy during strike
