RB News World Latest News
Related Articles
Gig workers employed by digital platforms and online delivery apps like Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, Zepto, Amazon, and Flipkart have once again announced a nationwide strike on December 31st. Speaking to NEWS REPORTER, these workers said that despite working long hours, they neither receive fair wages nor a safe working environment and security.
These gig workers allege that companies, regardless of their name, are arbitrarily reducing delivery payments, incentives, and bonuses. Previously, even short distances yielded a livable wage, but now, as delivery distances increase, payments are decreasing.
Earnings sometimes as low as 500 rupees
The situation is such that often, despite working 7 to 8 hours and making dozens of deliveries, they only earn 400 to 500 rupees. Out of necessity, they have to work 17 to 18 hours to make ends meet. On top of that, there is pressure to complete more deliveries in less time. If they encounter traffic jams, customers behave rudely, and if an accident occurs while trying to deliver quickly, they receive neither medical treatment nor insurance.
Earlier, on December 25th, these gig workers also went on strike, but this only exacerbated the problem instead of resolving it. Speaking to TV9 Bharatvarsh, they said that after striking and raising their voices, team leaders threatened to block their IDs and have them beaten by the police. Where they previously received an average of 15 orders in 5 hours, it has now dropped to just 7 or 8. Incentives are also not fixed.
Sales reduced by 80 percent
These workers say that changes in the payment structure over the past few months have reduced their income by up to 50%. Furthermore, increasing costs and uncertain working hours are creating a situation of complete insecurity for them.
The gig workers’ strike is also impacting the speed of the delivery network. The recent strike has affected the services of food and grocery delivery apps in several parts of the country, especially in Gurugram. This has caused problems for both food outlets and customers. Deepak, who runs Variety Omelette in Gurugram, said that 70-80% of his sales used to be online.
Due to the strike, his sales have dropped by 80%. The food was prepared, but the delivery boys didn’t show up. He feels they are being treated unfairly, as they are not receiving their full payment for their work. A woman who was also present said that they usually order online during Christmas and New Year, but this time they faced a lot of trouble. She added that if the strike continues on December 31st, the problems will only worsen. She questioned why these apps charge customers the full delivery fee but don’t pay the workers adequately.
The gig workers are demanding fair payment for deliveries based on distance and time, fair incentives, insurance policies, and health benefits. However, due to the unorganized nature of the sector and the lack of unity among all gig workers, their demands are not being heard. Companies are taking advantage of this situation. Some app companies, however, claim that the new payment models are performance-based and their aim is to create an efficient delivery network.
There are more than 8 million gig workers in the country, working in the delivery, logistics, and ride-sharing sectors. While this employment model offers flexibility, the legal framework regarding social security and minimum wage for these workers is still unclear.
