We pay for even water, celebrities get paid in crores: Delivery worker
The life of a delivery worker is not an easy one. They are the backbone of the online food delivery and e-commerce industry, yet they are often treated as the most disposable part of the system. A delivery agent, who participated in the nationwide strike of gig workers, recently spoke out about the harsh realities of their job. He pointed out the stark contrast between the treatment of celebrities and delivery workers by the companies they work for. “Companies pay crores to celebrities for ads,” he said, “but delivery partners have to pay for everything, including helmets and water.”
This statement highlights the vast inequality that exists in the way companies treat their different stakeholders. On one hand, celebrities are paid huge sums of money to endorse products and services. On the other hand, delivery workers, who are essential to the functioning of these companies, are expected to bear all the costs themselves. This includes basic safety gear like helmets, as well as everyday necessities like water. The delivery worker’s question, “Why can’t they provide us basic safety gear and water?” is a valid one. It is not too much to ask for basic necessities, especially when one considers the risks that delivery workers take on a daily basis.
The delivery worker’s story is not an isolated one. Many gig workers have come forward to talk about the struggles they face on a daily basis. From low pay to lack of benefits, the list of grievances is long. The delivery worker who spoke out has been working since 2022, and he said that his earnings have only declined over time. This is despite the fact that the demand for online delivery has increased exponentially during the same period. It is clear that the companies are benefiting from the hard work of their delivery partners, but they are not sharing the benefits fairly.
The nationwide strike of gig workers was a call to attention for the companies and the government. It highlighted the need for better working conditions, fair pay, and benefits for delivery workers. The strike also brought to light the fact that gig workers are not just delivery partners, but also human beings who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. As one worker said, “We are made to feel worse than animals.” This is a sad state of affairs, and it is time for companies to take responsibility for the way they treat their workers.
The issue of gig workers’ rights is a complex one, and it requires a multifaceted solution. Companies need to recognize the value that delivery workers bring to their businesses and compensate them fairly. This includes providing basic safety gear, benefits, and a decent wage. The government also needs to step in and regulate the gig economy to ensure that workers are protected. This can include laws that mandate minimum wages, benefits, and safe working conditions.
In addition to these measures, companies need to change their mindset towards gig workers. They need to recognize that delivery partners are not just disposable cogs in a machine, but human beings who deserve respect and dignity. This includes providing them with basic necessities like water and safety gear, as well as treating them with respect and kindness. As the delivery worker said, “Why can’t they provide us basic safety gear and water?” It is time for companies to answer this question and take action to improve the lives of their delivery partners.
In conclusion, the story of the delivery worker is a stark reminder of the harsh realities of the gig economy. It is time for companies to take responsibility for the way they treat their workers and provide them with the basic necessities and respect they deserve. The nationwide strike of gig workers was a call to attention, and it is time for companies and the government to respond. As we move forward, it is essential to recognize the value and dignity of gig workers and treat them with the respect they deserve.
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