While most cities welcomed the New Year with celebrations, New Delhi saw a different scene. On New Year’s Eve, gig workers gathered to protest for dignity, fair pay, and security. Standing with them was Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha, as he chose solidarity over celebration and spent the evening listening to workers who keep India’s delivery economy running.
Why Did Raghav Chadha Spend New Year’s Eve With Gig Workers?
Raghav Chadha visited Old Rajinder Nagar, where gig workers held a symbolic protest as part of a nationwide strike. The workers wanted their voices heard. They demanded better pay systems, humane work conditions, and social security.
Chadha shared the moment on social media and wrote, “Spent New Year’s Eve with Gig workers at Old Rajinder Nagar, who held a symbolic strike to make their voices heard,” making his stand clear.
Which Companies’ Workers Were Part of the Protest?
The protest included delivery partners linked to major platforms. These included Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy, and Zomato. Chadha met several workers and listened to their experiences.
He later said that their concerns were genuine. He described their demands as “legitimate and just”, underlining the seriousness of the issue.
Nationwide Gig Workers’ Strike: What Is It About?
Gig and platform workers across India called for a nationwide strike on New Year’s Eve. The aim was collective action. Workers demanded rights, welfare protection, and dignity at work.
The strike focused on fair wages, predictable income, and protection against sudden account deactivation. Workers also raised concerns over intense delivery targets and pressure-driven systems.
‘10-Minute Delivery’ Model Under Fire
One major concern highlighted during the protest was the push for ultra-fast deliveries. Chadha openly criticised this model.
Speaking on the issue, he said, “They are also humans, they are not robots or bonded labour. They are also someone’s father, son, husband, or brother.”
He warned that such systems harm workers’ physical and mental health. He said speed targets increase stress and road safety risks.
What Did Chadha Say About Platform Companies?
Chadha clarified that the protest was peaceful and purposeful. He said it was not meant to disrupt services but to seek dialogue.
He wrote, “This protest was not about disruption, but about being heard. I stand with them in solidarity. I hope the management of platforms like Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy, Zomato, etc., listens and engages sincerely.”
His message called for communication instead of silence.
How Did Delivery Platforms Respond During the Strike?
Amid the strike, Swiggy and Zomato introduced higher incentives. These are applied during peak hours and year-end days. However, workers said short-term incentives do not solve long-term issues.
They want stable income systems and safety nets, not temporary bonuses.
Gig Economy Issues Raised in Parliament Earlier
This is not the first time Chadha has raised concerns. He has spoken about the gig economy in Parliament before. He has pushed for worker protection laws and social security coverage.
His New Year’s Eve visit added political weight to the growing movement.
Why This Moment Matters
Gig workers form the backbone of India’s digital economy. Their protest reflects a larger debate about labour rights in app-based jobs.
As India moves deeper into platform-driven services, the call for fairness grows louder. This New Year’s Eve, that call found a powerful ally.