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. One such company is Zomato, a popular food delivery platform in India. However, in a recent revelation, Zomato’s CEO Deepinder Goyal stated that the company terminates nearly 5,000 gig workers every month, primarily due to fraud cases. This news comes amidst the ongoing debate about the working conditions and rights of gig workers in the country.
According to Goyal, around 1.5-2 lakh workers leave Zomato voluntarily from its 7.5-lakh workforce every month. To replace these exiting workers, the company onboards a similar number of new workers monthly. This high turnover rate raises questions about the working conditions and job satisfaction of gig workers in the food delivery industry. Goyal’s statement was made on a podcast, where he discussed the challenges faced by the company in managing its vast workforce.
The news of Zomato terminating 5,000 gig workers every month has sparked concerns about the job security and well-being of these workers. Many of these workers are sole breadwinners for their families and rely on the income from these jobs to make ends meet. The fact that they can be terminated abruptly, often without any notice or explanation, is a cause for concern. It also highlights the lack of job security and social protection for gig workers, who are often not entitled to the same benefits and protections as regular employees.
Goyal’s statement came days after gig workers went on strike during New Year’s Eve, protesting against unfavourable working conditions. The strike, which was reported in several cities across India, was called by various gig worker unions and associations, who demanded better pay, improved working conditions, and greater job security. The strike highlighted the growing discontent among gig workers, who feel that they are being exploited by companies like Zomato and other food delivery platforms.
The issue of gig worker rights is a complex one, with many stakeholders involved. While companies like Zomato argue that they provide flexible and convenient work opportunities for millions of workers, critics argue that these workers are often subjected to poor working conditions, low pay, and lack of job security. The government has also been criticized for not doing enough to protect the rights of gig workers, who are often classified as independent contractors rather than employees.
In recent years, there have been several instances of gig workers protesting against companies like Zomato, Uber, and Ola, demanding better working conditions and greater job security. These protests have highlighted the need for greater regulation and oversight of the gig economy, to ensure that workers are protected and treated fairly. The government has responded to these concerns by introducing new laws and regulations, such as the Code on Social Security, which aims to provide social security benefits to gig workers.
However, much more needs to be done to address the concerns of gig workers. Companies like Zomato must take greater responsibility for the welfare of their workers, providing them with better pay, improved working conditions, and greater job security. The government must also play a more active role in regulating the gig economy, ensuring that workers are protected and treated fairly.
In conclusion, the news of Zomato terminating 5,000 gig workers every month is a cause for concern, highlighting the lack of job security and social protection for these workers. It is essential that companies like Zomato take greater responsibility for the welfare of their workers, providing them with better pay, improved working conditions, and greater job security. The government must also play a more active role in regulating the gig economy, ensuring that workers are protected and treated fairly. Only then can we ensure that the gig economy is a force for good, providing opportunities for millions of workers while protecting their rights and dignity.
News Source: https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/zomato-terminates-5-000-employees-monthly-over-fraud/story
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