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 that has been making headlines lately due to its treatment of gig workers. In a recent podcast, Zomato’s CEO Deepinder Goyal revealed that the company terminates nearly 5,000 gig workers every month, mainly due to fraud cases. This statement has sparked a lot of debate and raises questions about the working conditions and job security of gig workers in the industry.
According to Goyal, the company has a workforce of around 7.5 lakh gig workers, and approximately 1.5-2 lakh workers leave voluntarily every month. To replace those exiting, Zomato onboards a similar number of new workers monthly. While this may seem like a normal turnover rate, the fact that 5,000 workers are being terminated due to fraud cases is a cause for concern. It highlights the need for better screening and training processes to prevent such incidents from occurring in the first place.
Goyal’s statement came days after gig workers went on strike during New Year’s Eve over unfavourable working conditions. The strike was a testament to the growing dissatisfaction among gig workers, who often face long working hours, low pay, and inadequate benefits. The fact that Zomato is terminating thousands of workers every month due to fraud cases only adds to the sense of insecurity and uncertainty that these workers face.
The issue of gig workers’ rights is not unique to Zomato or the food delivery industry. It is a problem that plagues the entire gig economy, where workers are often classified as independent contractors rather than employees. This classification means that they are not entitled to the same benefits and protections as regular employees, such as minimum wage, paid time off, and health insurance.
The lack of job security and benefits is a major concern for gig workers, who often have to juggle multiple jobs to make ends meet. The fact that Zomato is terminating thousands of workers every month due to fraud cases only adds to the sense of instability and uncertainty that these workers face. It is imperative that companies like Zomato take steps to address these concerns and provide better working conditions and benefits to their gig workers.
One possible solution is to provide gig workers with more comprehensive training and support. This could include training on how to prevent fraud, as well as resources to help them manage their workload and navigate the company’s policies. Additionally, companies could consider offering benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and minimum wage guarantees to their gig workers.
Another solution is to reclassify gig workers as employees rather than independent contractors. This would entitle them to the same benefits and protections as regular employees, including minimum wage, paid time off, and health insurance. However, this would also require companies to take on more responsibility for their workers, including paying payroll taxes and providing benefits.
In conclusion, the fact that Zomato terminates nearly 5,000 gig workers every month due to fraud cases is a cause for concern. It highlights the need for better screening and training processes, as well as more comprehensive benefits and protections for gig workers. The issue of gig workers’ rights is not unique to Zomato or the food delivery industry, but it is a problem that plagues the entire gig economy. It is imperative that companies take steps to address these concerns and provide better working conditions and benefits to their gig workers.
As the gig economy continues to grow and evolve, it is essential that we prioritize the rights and well-being of gig workers. This includes providing them with better working conditions, benefits, and job security. By doing so, we can create a more sustainable and equitable gig economy that benefits both workers and companies alike.
News Source: https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/zomato-terminates-5-000-employees-monthly-over-fraud/story
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