The Indian Federation of App-based Transport Workers (IFAT) has launched a sharp critique against Zomato founder and CEO Deepinder Goyal. The union alleges that Goyal is attempting to shield himself from accountability while numerous critical questions regarding the welfare and rights of gig workers remain unanswered.
Union's Accusations and Unmet Demands
This criticism follows a recent public statement made by Deepinder Goyal. The IFAT claims that his remarks were a strategic move to save himself from public scrutiny rather than a genuine effort to engage with the concerns of the delivery partners who form the backbone of Zomato's operations. The union represents a significant number of workers within the gig economy, including those associated with major food delivery platforms.
A core issue raised by the union is the persistent lack of transparency and direct dialogue. Despite the growing debates around gig worker benefits, social security, and fair pay, the IFAT states that many fundamental questions are still unresolved. They argue that public relations statements do not substitute for concrete policies and legally binding agreements that ensure worker safety, income stability, and access to benefits.
The Heart of the Dispute: Worker Welfare
The tensions between gig worker unions and platform companies like Zomato are not new. However, this direct targeting of the CEO underscores the escalating frustration. Key areas of contention typically include:
- Earnings and Incentive Structures: Unpredictable pay, reduced incentives, and lack of clarity on how payments are calculated.
- Working Conditions and Safety: Risks faced by delivery executives on the road, especially during extreme weather, with inadequate insurance or support.
- Social Security Benefits: The absence of traditional employment benefits such as provident fund, health insurance, or paid sick leave.
- Algorithmic Management: Lack of control over work allocation, rating systems that can lead to unfair deactivation, and minimal grievance redressal mechanisms.
The IFAT's statement implies that Goyal's recent communications have failed to provide satisfactory solutions to these systemic issues. They emphasize that the well-being of gig workers cannot be an afterthought in the pursuit of corporate growth and profitability.
Broader Implications for India's Gig Economy
This public spat between a prominent tech leader and a workers' union highlights a critical juncture for India's booming gig economy. As platforms like Zomato continue to expand, the regulatory and social framework around gig work is under intense scrutiny. The union's stance represents a growing demand for formal recognition and rights for millions of app-based workers across the country.
The outcome of this dialogue, or lack thereof, could set a precedent for how other tech companies engage with their flexible workforce. It puts a spotlight on the need for a balanced model that ensures platform scalability while guaranteeing fair and dignified working conditions. The ball is now in the court of platform leadership to move beyond public relations and engage in substantive, good-faith negotiations with worker representatives.
Until then, as per the IFAT, the fundamental questions for Deepinder Goyal and Zomato remain squarely on the table, awaiting a response that addresses the core of the gig workers' struggle.
