We pay for even water, celebrities get paid in crores: Delivery worker
The gig economy has been a blessing and a curse for many workers in India. On one hand, it has provided employment opportunities to millions of people, but on the other hand, it has also led to exploitation and poor working conditions. Recently, a nationwide strike was held by gig workers, including delivery agents, to protest against the poor treatment they receive from online delivery platforms. One such delivery agent, who participated in the strike, shared his story and highlighted the stark contrast between the treatment of celebrities and delivery workers by these companies.
According to the delivery agent, companies pay crores of rupees to celebrities for advertisements, but they expect their delivery partners to pay for everything, including basic safety gear like helmets and even water. “Why can’t they provide us with basic safety gear and water?” he asked. This is a valid question, considering the fact that these companies are making huge profits from the hard work of their delivery partners. The delivery agent, who has been working since 2022, said that his earnings have only declined over time, despite his hard work and dedication.
This is not an isolated incident, as many gig workers have come forward to share their stories of exploitation and poor treatment by online delivery platforms. They have complained about long working hours, low pay, and lack of basic facilities like clean drinking water and sanitation. The fact that companies are willing to pay crores to celebrities for advertisements, but cannot provide basic amenities to their workers, is a stark reminder of the prioritization of profits over people.
The gig economy is built on the concept of flexibility and freedom, but for many workers, it has become a never-ending cycle of exploitation and poverty. The lack of job security, benefits, and basic amenities has made it difficult for gig workers to make ends meet. They are expected to work long hours, often in harsh weather conditions, without any protection or support from their employers. The fact that they have to pay for their own safety gear and water is a clear indication of the lack of concern for their well-being.
The nationwide strike by gig workers is a wake-up call for the government and online delivery platforms to take notice of the plight of these workers. It is time for them to recognize the value and dignity of gig workers and provide them with the basic amenities and protections they deserve. The fact that companies are willing to pay crores to celebrities for advertisements, but cannot provide basic facilities to their workers, is a clear indication of the prioritization of profits over people.
The government has a crucial role to play in regulating the gig economy and protecting the rights of gig workers. They need to introduce laws and regulations that ensure fair pay, job security, and basic amenities for gig workers. Online delivery platforms also need to take responsibility for the treatment of their workers and provide them with the necessary support and protection.
In conclusion, the story of the delivery agent is a stark reminder of the exploitation and poor treatment of gig workers by online delivery platforms. The fact that companies are willing to pay crores to celebrities for advertisements, but cannot provide basic facilities to their workers, is a clear indication of the prioritization of profits over people. It is time for the government and online delivery platforms to take notice of the plight of gig workers and provide them with the basic amenities and protections they deserve.
The strike by gig workers is a call to action, and it is time for us to recognize the value and dignity of these workers. They are not just delivery agents or riders; they are human beings who deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. The fact that they have to pay for their own safety gear and water is a clear indication of the lack of concern for their well-being. It is time for us to stand in solidarity with gig workers and demand better working conditions, fair pay, and basic amenities for them.
As we move forward, it is essential to recognize the importance of gig workers in our economy. They are the backbone of the gig economy, and without them, the entire system would collapse. It is time for us to appreciate their hard work and dedication and provide them with the necessary support and protection. The story of the delivery agent is a wake-up call, and it is time for us to take action and demand better treatment for gig workers.
In the end, it is crucial to remember that gig workers are not just statistics or numbers; they are human beings who deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. The fact that companies are willing to pay crores to celebrities for advertisements, but cannot provide basic facilities to their workers, is a clear indication of the prioritization of profits over people. It is time for us to stand in solidarity with gig workers and demand better working conditions, fair pay, and basic amenities for them.
About the Author
