Announcement of incentive for Gig Workers
Food delivery platforms Swiggy and Zomato have announced increase in incentives for delivery employees during busy times and the last days of the New Year. Companies have taken this step to stabilize their operations amid the nationwide strike by gig and platform employees. This incentive amount is being given at a time when delivery employee unions have called for a strike on 25th and 31st December to protest against salaries, poor working conditions and lack of social security. On the other hand, more orders are being expected on various platforms on New Year’s Eve.
How much incentive will Zomato give?
According to messages sent to employees and people familiar with the matter, Zomato has offered to pay delivery partners Rs 120-150 per order during the peak hours between 6 pm and 12 am. The platform is also promising earnings of up to Rs 3,000 a day depending on order volume and availability. Additionally, Zomato has temporarily waived off fines for rejecting and canceling orders. Delivery workers say the move reduces the risk of loss of income during irregular order flow and increased demand.
What did Swiggy announce?
Swiggy has also increased the incentive amount on the occasion of the end of the year. According to information shared with delivery partners, the platform is offering delivery workers an opportunity to earn up to Rs 10,000 between December 31 and January 1. On New Year’s Eve, Swiggy is advertising earnings of up to Rs 2,000 during peak hours between 6 pm and 12 am to ensure availability of delivery riders during the busiest ordering time of the year.
Zepto also increased incentives
According to industry sources, quick commerce platform Zepto has also increased the incentive amount for delivery employees. Food delivery and instant commerce platforms are trying to minimize disruption during the strike period and the sudden surge in demand at the end of the year. However, no official statement has come from any platform yet.
Why are platforms giving incentives?
During the strike of 25 December, there was some temporary disruption, especially in the food delivery service. After which the incentive amount has been increased. However, the platform claimed operation to be stable later in the day. Labor unions have claimed wide participation and influence and called for continued agitation on 31 December.