The issue of rapid delivery services re-entered the public discourse after the gig workers’ strike which took place across the country on December 31. The main points of the protest were salaries, working conditions, and social security. The strike did not create a major disturbance during the New Year festivities, still, many social media users were worried about the delivery riders’ stress resulting from the 10-minute delivery model.
Zomato's CEO Clarifies the Delivery Model
- Deepinder Goyal, Zomato’s CEO, kicked off his argument against the critics with a comprehensive one detailing the functioning of the 10-minute delivery system. He said that the method does not hazard the rider’s security and that neither the delivery partners are to ride quicker.
- It was Goyal’s assertion that the model is built on the increasing number of outlets getting opened near resident blocks. He added that the delivery personnel do not notice the notified delivery time on their devices. In Blinkit, the packing of goods takes an average of 2.5 minutes after the order is placed. Loading completed, the riders usually move 2 kilometers in about 8 minutes, at an average speed of 15 kilometers per hour.
- He further pointed out that the system's insecurity perception is due to ignorance of its operation. Goyal emphasized that the delivery workforce working for the platform is the one that freely chooses this way of labor and knows the circumstances under which they are doing it. He asked the community to stay away from the unverified rumors doing rounds on social media.
Safety Procedures and Worker Perks
- At the same time, the Zomato CEO also pointed out the delivery partners’ perks. He mentioned that the firm provides protective gear, in addition to offering all riders medical and life insurance.
- Referring to the protests on December 31, Goyal claimed that Zomato and Blinkit had their highest ever delivery figures on that day, with about 450,000 delivery agents completing
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