Zomato terminates nearly 5,000 gig workers a month: Deepinder Goyal
The gig economy has been a subject of controversy in recent times, with many workers protesting against unfavourable working conditions, low wages, and lack of job security. Food delivery giant Zomato has been at the center of this controversy, with its CEO Deepinder Goyal revealing that the company terminates nearly 5,000 gig workers every month. This shocking revelation came on a podcast, where Goyal cited fraud cases as the primary reason for these terminations.
According to Goyal, around 1.5-2 lakh workers also leave voluntarily from Zomato’s 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 is not unique to Zomato, as many gig economy companies face similar challenges in retaining their workforce. However, the sheer scale of Zomato’s operations and the number of workers involved make this issue particularly significant.
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, highlighted the growing discontent among gig workers who feel exploited by companies like Zomato. The workers’ demands included better wages, more flexible working hours, and improved working conditions.
The issue of gig workers’ rights has been a contentious one, with many arguing that these workers are not treated fairly by companies that rely heavily on their labor. Gig workers are often classified as independent contractors, which means they are not entitled to the same benefits and protections as regular employees. This lack of job security and benefits makes them vulnerable to exploitation, and many workers feel that they are being taken advantage of by companies that prioritize profits over people.
Zomato’s decision to terminate 5,000 gig workers every month over fraud cases raises several questions about the company’s treatment of its workforce. While fraud is a serious issue that needs to be addressed, it is unclear whether terminating such a large number of workers is the most effective way to deal with the problem. Moreover, 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 treatment of its workforce.
The gig economy has been growing rapidly in recent years, with many companies relying on freelance or contract workers to perform various tasks. While this model has created new opportunities for workers, it has also raised concerns about exploitation and lack of job security. As the gig economy continues to grow, it is essential that companies like Zomato prioritize the well-being and fair treatment of their workforce.
In recent times, there have been several instances of gig workers protesting against unfavourable working conditions. In addition to the strike during New Year’s Eve, there have been reports of workers protesting against companies like Uber, Ola, and Swiggy. These protests highlight the growing dissatisfaction among gig workers and the need for companies to address their concerns.
To address the issues faced by gig workers, companies like Zomato need to rethink their business model and prioritize the well-being of their workforce. This could involve providing better wages, more flexible working hours, and improved working conditions. Additionally, companies could offer benefits and protections to gig workers, such as health insurance, paid time off, and job security.
In conclusion, Zomato’s decision to terminate 5,000 gig workers every month over fraud cases is a concerning trend that highlights the need for companies to prioritize the fair treatment of their workforce. As the gig economy continues to grow, it is essential that companies like Zomato address the concerns of their workers and provide them with better working conditions, benefits, and job security. By doing so, companies can create a more sustainable and equitable business model that benefits both the workers and the company.
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