Zomato terminates nearly 5,000 gig workers a month: Deepinder Goyal
The gig economy has been a topic of discussion in recent years, with many companies relying on temporary or contract workers to carry out their operations. However, the treatment of these workers has been a subject of controversy, with many alleging that they are not provided with fair working conditions or adequate compensation. Zomato, one of the leading food delivery companies in India, has recently found itself at the center of this controversy. In a recent podcast, CEO Deepinder Goyal revealed that the company terminates nearly 5,000 gig workers every month, mainly due to fraud cases.
This statement comes at a time when gig workers have been protesting against unfavourable working conditions, including low wages, long working hours, and lack of benefits. Just a few days ago, gig workers went on strike during New Year’s Eve, demanding better treatment from companies like Zomato. The strike highlighted the plight of these workers, who are often exploited by companies looking to cut costs.
According to Goyal, the terminations are mainly due to fraud cases, where workers are found to be engaging in unethical practices such as fake orders or colluding with restaurants to cheat the system. While it is understandable that companies need to take action against workers who engage in fraudulent activities, the large number of terminations raises concerns about the working conditions and treatment of gig workers.
In addition to the terminations, Goyal also revealed that around 1.5-2 lakh workers leave voluntarily from Zomato’s 7.5-lakh workforce every month. This is a significant number, and it highlights the high turnover rate in the gig economy. Many workers are forced to leave their jobs due to unfavourable working conditions, low wages, or lack of benefits. The fact that Zomato has to onboard a similar number of workers every month to replace those exiting is a testament to the challenges faced by the company in retaining its workforce.
The issue of gig workers’ rights is a complex one, and it requires a nuanced approach. While companies like Zomato need to take action against workers who engage in fraudulent activities, they also need to ensure that their workers are treated fairly and provided with adequate compensation and benefits. The fact that gig workers are not considered employees, but rather independent contractors, makes it difficult for them to access benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement plans.
The strike by gig workers during New Year’s Eve was a wake-up call for companies like Zomato, and it highlighted the need for better working conditions and treatment of gig workers. The fact that Zomato is terminating nearly 5,000 gig workers every month is a concern, and it raises questions about the company’s approach to managing its workforce.
In recent years, there has been a growing trend of gig workers organizing and demanding better treatment from companies. In India, gig workers have been protesting against companies like Zomato, Uber, and Ola, demanding better wages, benefits, and working conditions. The government has also been forced to take notice, and there have been efforts to regulate the gig economy and provide better protection for workers.
In conclusion, the termination of nearly 5,000 gig workers every month by Zomato is a concern, and it highlights the need for better working conditions and treatment of gig workers. While companies like Zomato need to take action against workers who engage in fraudulent activities, they also need to ensure that their workers are treated fairly and provided with adequate compensation and benefits. The issue of gig workers’ rights is a complex one, and it requires a nuanced approach. As the gig economy continues to grow, it is essential that companies, governments, and workers come together to find solutions that benefit everyone.
News Source: https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/zomato-terminates-5-000-employees-monthly-over-fraud/story
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