Key Points:
- Zomato offering Rs 120-150 per order during peak hours (6 PM-12 AM) with potential daily earnings up to Rs 3,000
- Swiggy promising up to Rs 10,000 total earnings across December 31 and January 1
- Additional bonus of up to Rs 2,000 available during special peak hours on New Year’s Eve
- All penalty charges for order cancellation/rejection temporarily removed
- Gig workers’ union had called strikes on December 25 and 31 demanding social security and better conditions
- Quick commerce companies like Zepto also increasing incentives amid year-end demand surge
Amidst the New Year celebrations, food delivery companies Swiggy and Zomato have given their delivery partners some great news. Recently, a gig workers’ union had announced a strike on December 31st due to low wages and lack of benefits. To manage this situation and meet the massive demand for orders on New Year’s Eve, the companies have announced hefty incentives. This initiative aims to appease the delivery partners and ensure uninterrupted services on the last day of the year.
The timing of these incentives is crucial, as New Year’s Eve represents one of the busiest nights for food delivery platforms, with order volumes typically surging by 200-300% compared to regular days. Companies are pulling out all stops to prevent service disruption that could damage their reputation and result in significant revenue losses.
Zomato’s Special Earnings Offer
Zomato has introduced a special payment plan for its delivery partners during peak hours from 6 PM to 12 AM. The company will pay between Rs 120 and Rs 150 per order during this period, boosting employee morale significantly compared to regular payouts. The platform has also promised the potential to earn up to Rs 3000 per day, depending on order availability and completion rate.
This represents a substantial increase from average per-order earnings, which typically range between Rs 40-60 during normal hours. The six-hour peak window covers the highest demand period when families and friends gather for New Year parties and prefer ordering food rather than cooking.
Swiggy’s Bumper Earnings Scheme
Swiggy has offered its partners a great opportunity to earn up to Rs 10,000 in total on December 31st and January 1st. During special peak hours on New Year’s Eve, employees can earn an additional bonus of up to Rs 2000 with just a few hours of work. Through this massive incentive, the company is trying to completely neutralize the impact of the strike and ensure maximum partner availability.
The two-day earning structure encourages partners to work on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, when demand remains elevated due to hangovers and continued celebrations. Swiggy’s incentive package is among the highest ever offered by the platform, reflecting the critical importance of maintaining service levels during this period.
Relief from Fines and Penalties
The companies have provided relief to delivery partners by temporarily removing all penalty charges for canceling or rejecting orders. This will eliminate the fear of financial losses due to irregular order flow and allow partners to work without stress. This step has been taken to build better rapport with partners and motivate them to accept more orders during the high-demand period.
Typically, delivery partners face penalties ranging from Rs 50 to Rs 200 for rejecting orders, which can significantly impact their daily earnings. The removal of these penalties gives workers more flexibility to choose orders based on distance and feasibility, reducing the pressure to accept every assignment.
Union Demands and Strike Context
The delivery workers’ union had called for a strike on December 25th and 31st, demanding social security, better working conditions, and a salary increase. Taking a lesson from the symbolic strike on December 25, which affected services in several areas, companies have now taken this proactive decision. Although the union is still adamant about its demand for fundamental changes, the increased incentives may encourage many employees to return to work.
The Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT) and Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) have been leading the agitation, with key demands including minimum payment of Rs 20 per kilometer, a monthly income guarantee of Rs 24,000, maternity benefits, and legal recognition as workers rather than partners.
Rapid Growth in Quick Commerce Sector
Not only food delivery companies, but quick commerce companies like Zepto have also increased incentives in view of the increased demand at the end of the year. Anticipating the possibility of a strike, these companies are spending extra budget to ensure timely delivery of goods to customers. In this competitive environment, all platforms are striving to ensure that their operations are not disrupted during the New Year period.
The quick commerce sector, which promises 10-minute deliveries, faces even greater pressure during peak celebration times when customers order party supplies, snacks, and beverages. Companies are reportedly offering bonuses of Rs 100-150 per delivery during peak hours, similar to food delivery platforms, to maintain their service promises.
