(Image source from: News18.com)
E-commerce sites such as Blinkit have been told to eliminate their claims of 10-minute deliveries after Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya met with representatives from these companies and advised them to put the safety of delivery workers first. Government sources indicate that the minister met with leaders from various delivery services, including Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, and Zepto, to discuss issues surrounding delivery times.
The sources mentioned that Blinkit has changed its slogan from "10,000 plus products delivered in 10 minutes" to "30,000 plus products delivered at your doorstep. " The promise of 10-minute delivery has sparked significant public discussion, with many arguing that it endangers the safety of the delivery workers. On December 25, gig worker unions staged a protest, asking for improved wages and social security benefits. They warned of a nationwide strike on December 31 if their requests were not met, including calls to eliminate unreasonable time-based delivery targets.
In reaction to the protest, Swiggy and Zomato increased delivery incentives. The unions cautioned that they would initiate a large-scale protest if their needs were ignored. The Code on Social Security, 2020 states that all workers, including gig and platform workers, should receive social security benefits. Earlier this month, the Ministry of Labour and Employment released draft regulations for the four labor codes, which also include gig workers for benefits like minimum wage, health care, workplace safety, and social security. The government plans to implement the complete set of four labor codes starting April 1. AAP MP Raghav Chadha, who has been vocal about gig workers’ issues in and out of Parliament, praised the government's action.
"Satyamev Jayate. Together, we have succeeded. I sincerely appreciate the Central Government for its prompt, firm, and kind action in ensuring the removal of the '10-minute delivery' label from quick-commerce platforms. This is an essential step since when '10 minutes' is displayed on a delivery worker's shirt or bag, and a countdown is visible on the customer’s screen, the pressure is intense, continuous, and risky. This action will help protect the safety of delivery workers and everyone who uses our roads," he stated. "In recent months, I have conversed with hundreds of delivery partners. Many are overloaded with work, poorly paid, and risking their lives to meet an unachievable promise. I appreciate every citizen who stood with us - you chose to support human life, safety, and dignity. And to every gig worker - you're not alone; we are all with you," Chadha concluded.
