Background: The rush to under-10-minute deliveries
Across India, the rapid expansion of app-based delivery platforms has reshaped last-mile logistics. The promise of ultra-fast service—often under 10 minutes from order to doorstep—has driven intense speed targets for couriers, riders, and gig workers. While customers enjoy near-instant gratification, thousands of delivery workers say the pace comes at a grave cost to safety, health, and fair compensation.
The strike: a coalition of gig workers
On New Year’s Eve, tens of thousands of app-based delivery workers staged protests across multiple Indian cities. They voiced frustrations with relentless pressure, unstable earnings, and the growing expectations to hit seemingly impossible delivery windows. Organizers and participants described a work culture that treats time like a weapon—pushing drivers to make multiple deliveries in record speed, sometimes at the expense of safe riding practices and personal well-being.
Why 10-minute targets are controversial
The push for 10-minute deliveries is often framed as a consumer-friendly feature and a competitive differentiator for platforms. Critics argue, however, that such targets create an unsafe work environment. Riders report skipping breaks, racing through traffic, and taking shortcuts to meet tight deadlines. Labor advocates warn that the structure of many gig-economy contracts leaves workers with little control over routes, payments, and working hours, while penalties for delays or mistakes erode earnings.
Economic realities for gig workers
Many delivery workers rely on a combination of base payments, per-delivery incentives, and surge bonuses. When a platform fixes unrealistic delivery times, the incentive structure can encourage unsafe or rushed behavior. Critics also point to inconsistent income, lack of benefits, and limited access to insurance or sick leave. In a sector where a single late delivery can erode daily earnings, workers say the math often rewards speed over safety and quality of service.
Safety, accountability, and long-term impact
Public safety remains a central concern. Riders have reported traffic violations, risky maneuvers, and exposure to weather and road hazards, all while racing against clock-based goals. The strike spotlighted a broader debate about accountability: who bears responsibility when a fast-delivery mission leads to accidents or customer complaints? Advocates call for clearer safety guidelines, better rider protections, and a review of payout structures that balance timely delivery with worker welfare.
What reforms workers are seeking
Demands include fair pay for all hours worked, transparent incentive calculations, predictable shifts, and stronger safety nets. Many workers want a right to disconnect, a minimum guaranteed earning, and access to accident insurance. Trade unions and worker collectives argue that platform companies should provide more predictable income streams, improved rider training, and a formal grievance mechanism to address issues such as unreasonable delivery expectations and penalties.
Industry and policy responses
Platform operators have publicly defended their speed targets as core to customer satisfaction and market share. Regulators in several Indian states have started examining gig-work practices, focusing on wage structures, social protection, and the legality of certain performance targets. Experts say a balanced approach—combining consumer expectations with robust worker protections—could foster sustainable growth in the delivery economy while safeguarding rider health and safety.
What this means for consumers
Patients, families, and busy professionals rely on fast delivery for meals, groceries, and essentials. Yet as workers push back against untenable targets, customers may experience changes in delivery times or service patterns. The broader takeaway is a call for a more humane gig-economy model that aligns speed with safety, reliability, and fair pay.
Conclusion: toward a safer, sustainable model
The New Year’s Eve strike amplified a critical question for India’s booming gig economy: how can speed coexist with safety and fair labor standards? Stakeholders—platforms, policymakers, and workers—will need collaborative solutions that protect riders while preserving the convenience millions depend on daily.
