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 for 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, primarily due to fraud cases. This news comes on the heels of a strike by gig workers on New Year’s Eve, who were protesting against unfavourable working conditions.
According to Goyal, the main reason for the termination of these workers is fraud. He stated that the company has a zero-tolerance policy towards fraudulent activities, and any worker found engaging in such behaviour is immediately let go. This is a significant number, considering that Zomato has a workforce of around 7.5 lakh workers. In addition to the terminations, around 1.5-2 lakh workers also leave the company voluntarily every month. To replace these workers, Zomato onboards a similar number of new workers monthly.
The issue of gig workers’ rights has been a contentious one, with many arguing that these workers are not provided with the same benefits and protections as regular employees. Gig workers are often classified as independent contractors, which means they are not entitled to benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or job security. This can make it difficult for them to make a living, especially in industries where the work is demanding and the pay is low.
The strike by gig workers on New Year’s Eve was a response to these unfavourable working conditions. The workers were demanding better pay, more job security, and improved working conditions. The strike was called by a group of workers who were dissatisfied with the company’s policies and wanted to bring attention to their plight. The strike was successful in disrupting the company’s operations, with many customers taking to social media to express their support for the workers.
Goyal’s statement about the termination of gig workers has sparked a debate about the company’s treatment of its workers. While the company may have a zero-tolerance policy towards fraud, many are questioning whether this policy is being applied fairly. Some have argued that the company is using the fraud policy as a pretext to get rid of workers who are demanding better working conditions.
The issue of gig workers’ rights is not unique to Zomato. Many companies in the gig economy, including ride-hailing services like Uber and Ola, have faced similar criticism for their treatment of workers. These companies have been accused of exploiting their workers, paying them low wages, and denying them benefits.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to recognize the rights of gig workers. Many countries have introduced laws and regulations to protect the rights of these workers, including minimum wage laws and laws requiring companies to provide benefits to their workers. In India, the government has introduced the Code on Social Security, which provides for the social security of gig workers.
However, much more needs to be done to protect the rights of gig workers. Companies like Zomato need to take steps to improve the working conditions of their workers, including providing them with better pay, job security, and benefits. The government also needs to play a role in regulating the gig economy and ensuring that companies are complying with labour laws.
In conclusion, the termination of nearly 5,000 gig workers by Zomato every month is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. The company’s zero-tolerance policy towards fraud may be well-intentioned, but it is being applied in a way that is unfair to workers. The issue of gig workers’ rights is a complex one, and it requires a nuanced solution. Companies, governments, and workers all need to work together to create a fair and equitable system that recognizes the rights and dignity of all workers.
News Source: https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/zomato-terminates-5-000-employees-monthly-over-fraud/story
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