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Gig Workers’ New Year Log-Off Puts India’s 10‑Minute Delivery Model Under Scrutiny

Worker demands now center on minimum pay, algorithm transparency, curbs on 10‑minute orders.

Overview

  • More than 200,000 riders coordinated a Dec. 31 log‑off nationwide, while Zomato’s parent reported 7.5 million orders that day and downplayed disruption.
  • Unions seek a minimum daily wage, transparent algorithms, and safeguards against arbitrary penalties and ID deactivations.
  • Workers argue ultra‑fast targets drive unsafe riding and volatile pay, and the lead union is pressing to end 10‑minute promises.
  • Platforms countered with temporary incentives and PR, and some took punitive steps, with one Zepto store permanently blocking 86 IDs before hiring replacements.
  • The policy debate is widening as the government‑backed Bharat Taxi cooperative reports 400,000 registrations, while labour codes still leave gig workers outside wage protections.