Swiggy, Zomato Workers Ask 40K Salary: Will It Happen?

It is already known that India is vastly expanding in terms of quick delivery applications like Swiggy and Zomato. This has now reached a saturation point where even gig workers are asking for elaborate salary structures.

Delivery workers from platforms like Blinkit Swiggy Zomato Zepto and Instamart recently staged a nationwide protest demanding better pay and working conditions.

The strike drew attention after thousands of riders logged out of their apps, especially during the busy New Year period, affecting food and quick commerce deliveries in several major cities.

The key demand raised by workers is a guaranteed minimum monthly income of ₹40,000.

At present, most delivery partners are paid per order, with earnings fluctuating based on demand incentives and peak hour bonuses. Workers argue that after fuel costs vehicle maintenance and long working hours, their actual take home income is far lower than what is projected by platforms.

Another major concern is the pressure created by ultra fast delivery targets, which riders say increases stress and road safety risks. Unions representing gig workers have also called for accident insurance transparent incentive structures and recognition of delivery partners as workers rather than independent contractors.

In response to the strike, companies introduced temporary surge incentives and special bonuses to keep services running during peak demand. However, worker groups say short term incentives do not solve long term income insecurity.

The protest has once again highlighted the growing debate around fair wages and protections in India’s rapidly expanding gig economy, as workers push for stability while platforms focus on speed and scale.