We pay for even water, celebrities get paid in crores: Delivery worker
The life of a delivery worker is not an easy one. They spend their days navigating through crowded streets, dealing with unpredictable weather conditions, and handling demanding customers. But what makes their job even more challenging is the fact that they have to bear the costs of their own safety gear and even basic necessities like water. This is the harsh reality that many delivery workers face, including one delivery agent who participated in the nationwide strike of gig workers.
According to this delivery agent, companies are willing to pay crores of rupees to celebrities for advertisements, but they expect their delivery partners to pay for everything out of their own pocket. This includes helmets, uniforms, and even water. “Why can’t they provide us with basic safety gear and water?” he asks. It’s a valid question, considering the fact that these delivery workers are the backbone of the online delivery industry.
The delivery agent, who has been working since 2022, says that his earnings have only declined over time. Despite his hard work and dedication, he is not able to make ends meet. This is a common problem faced by many gig workers, who are not entitled to the same benefits and protections as regular employees. They are often classified as independent contractors, which means that they have to bear the costs of their own equipment, transportation, and other expenses.
The issue of gig workers’ rights has been a contentious one in recent years. Many online delivery platforms, such as food delivery and e-commerce companies, have been accused of exploiting their workers. These workers are often paid very low wages, and they have to work long hours without any benefits or job security. They are also expected to bear the costs of their own safety gear, which can be a significant expense.
The delivery agent who participated in the nationwide strike says that he and his fellow workers are treated like animals. “We are made to feel worse than animals,” he says. This is a stark contrast to the way that celebrities are treated by these same companies. Celebrities are often paid huge sums of money to endorse products or services, and they are treated with luxury and respect. Meanwhile, the delivery workers who are responsible for delivering these products are treated like second-class citizens.
The fact that delivery workers have to pay for their own safety gear is a major concern. Many of these workers are not able to afford the costs of helmets, uniforms, and other safety equipment. This puts them at risk of injury or illness, and it also makes them more vulnerable to exploitation by their employers. It’s unacceptable that companies are willing to pay crores of rupees to celebrities, but they are not willing to provide their delivery workers with basic safety gear.
The nationwide strike of gig workers is a wake-up call for these companies. It’s a reminder that their workers are not just statistics or numbers, but human beings who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. The strike is also a call to action for policymakers and regulators, who need to take steps to protect the rights of gig workers.
One of the main demands of the striking workers is that they should be classified as employees, rather than independent contractors. This would entitle them to benefits and protections, such as minimum wage, job security, and access to social security schemes. It would also require companies to provide them with basic safety gear and other necessities, such as water.
The strike is also a reminder that the online delivery industry is not just about convenience and affordability, but also about the human cost of these services. When we order food or products online, we often don’t think about the person who is delivering it to our doorstep. We don’t think about the fact that they may be working long hours without any benefits or job security, or that they may be putting their lives at risk to deliver our packages.
But the truth is that the online delivery industry is built on the backs of these workers. Without them, the industry would not be able to function. It’s time for companies to recognize the value of these workers and to treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve.
In conclusion, the story of the delivery agent who participated in the nationwide strike of gig workers is a sobering reminder of the harsh realities faced by many delivery workers. They are expected to pay for their own safety gear and even basic necessities like water, while companies pay crores of rupees to celebrities for advertisements. It’s time for policymakers and regulators to take action to protect the rights of gig workers, and for companies to recognize the value of these workers.
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