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 for its treatment of gig workers. 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 has raised concerns about the working conditions and job security of gig workers in the industry.
According to Goyal, around 1.5-2 lakh workers leave voluntarily from Zomato’s 7.5-lakh workforce every month. To replace those exiting, the company onboards a similar number of new workers monthly. This high turnover rate is not unique to Zomato, as many gig economy companies face similar challenges in retaining their workforce. However, the fact that a significant number of workers are being terminated due to fraud cases raises questions about the company’s approach to managing its workforce.
Goyal’s statement came days after gig workers went on strike during New Year’s Eve over unfavourable working conditions. The strike, which was reported in several cities across India, highlighted the concerns of gig workers regarding their pay, benefits, and job security. The workers demanded better working conditions, including increased pay, more flexible scheduling, and access to benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.
The issue of gig worker rights is a complex one, with many companies arguing that they are not responsible for providing benefits and job security to workers who are not technically employees. However, as the gig economy continues to grow, there is a growing recognition of the need to protect the rights of gig workers. Many countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, have introduced laws and regulations to protect gig workers and ensure that they are treated fairly.
In India, the government has also taken steps to regulate the gig economy and protect the rights of gig workers. The Code on Social Security, 2020, which was passed by the Indian parliament last year, provides for the regulation of gig workers and the provision of social security benefits to them. The code defines gig workers as those who work on a platform or through an online intermediary, and provides for the establishment of a social security fund to provide benefits to gig workers.
Despite these efforts, many gig workers continue to face challenges in terms of job security, pay, and benefits. The fact that Zomato terminates nearly 5,000 gig workers every month due to fraud cases highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the gig economy. Companies must take steps to ensure that their workers are treated fairly and with dignity, and that they are provided with the benefits and protections they deserve.
In addition to the issue of gig worker rights, Goyal’s statement also raises questions about the company’s approach to managing its workforce. The high turnover rate and the fact that many workers are being terminated due to fraud cases suggest that the company may need to rethink its approach to hiring and managing its workers. This could include providing more training and support to workers, as well as implementing more effective systems for detecting and preventing fraud.
In conclusion, the termination of nearly 5,000 gig workers by Zomato every month is a concerning trend that highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the gig economy. As the gig economy continues to grow, it is essential that companies take steps to protect the rights of gig workers and ensure that they are treated fairly and with dignity. This includes providing benefits and protections, as well as ensuring that workers are paid fairly and have access to safe and healthy working conditions.
The issue of gig worker rights is a complex one, and there is no easy solution. However, by working together, companies, governments, and workers can create a more equitable and sustainable gig economy that benefits everyone involved. As we move forward, it is essential that we prioritize the rights and well-being of gig workers, and work towards creating a more just and fair society for all.
News Source: https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/zomato-terminates-5-000-employees-monthly-over-fraud/story
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