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 in the news 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 debate about the working conditions and job security of gig workers in the industry.
According to Goyal, the company has a massive workforce of 7.5 lakh workers, and around 1.5-2 lakh workers leave voluntarily 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 companies in the gig economy face similar challenges. However, the fact that nearly 5,000 workers are being terminated every month due to fraud cases raises concerns about the company’s approach to managing its workforce.
The statement from Goyal came days after gig workers went on strike during New Year’s Eve over unfavourable working conditions. The strike was a result of the workers’ frustration with the company’s policies, including low wages, long working hours, and lack of job security. The workers also demanded better benefits, such as health insurance and paid leave, which are commonly provided to full-time employees.
The issue of gig workers’ rights is a complex one, and companies like Zomato are facing increasing pressure to improve their working conditions. While the company may argue that it provides flexible working opportunities to thousands of people, the fact remains that these workers are not entitled to the same benefits and job security as full-time employees. This can lead to a precarious existence, where workers are forced to juggle multiple jobs to make ends meet.
The termination of nearly 5,000 workers every month due to fraud cases also raises questions about the company’s approach to dealing with misconduct. While it is understandable that companies need to take action against workers who engage in fraudulent activities, the high number of terminations suggests that there may be a more systemic issue at play. It is possible that the company’s policies and procedures are not adequate to prevent fraud, or that the workers are not being provided with sufficient training and support to carry out their jobs effectively.
Furthermore, the fact that around 1.5-2 lakh workers leave voluntarily every month suggests that there may be deeper issues with the company’s working conditions and culture. While some workers may choose to leave due to personal reasons or to pursue other opportunities, a high turnover rate can also be a sign of underlying problems. It is possible that the workers are not satisfied with their jobs, or that they are not being provided with opportunities for growth and development.
In recent years, there has been a growing trend of gig workers organizing and demanding better working conditions. This is a positive development, as it suggests that workers are becoming more aware of their rights and are taking action to protect themselves. However, companies like Zomato also need to take responsibility for providing fair and safe working conditions to their workers. This includes providing adequate training and support, ensuring that workers are paid fairly and on time, and offering benefits and job security.
In conclusion, the termination of nearly 5,000 gig workers every month by Zomato is a concerning trend that highlights the need for better working conditions and job security in the gig economy. While the company may argue that it provides flexible working opportunities to thousands of people, the fact remains that these workers are not entitled to the same benefits and rights as full-time employees. As the gig economy continues to grow, it is essential that companies like Zomato take responsibility for providing fair and safe working conditions to their workers.
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