Gig Workers Lash Out: "Worse Than Animals" on Zomato, Swiggy Over Pay, Rights, Safety

• Gig workers nationwide struck on December 31, protesting online delivery platforms like Zomato and Swiggy over declining pay, lack of benefits, and unsafe working conditions.
• Workers claim platforms project unrealistic earnings, with actual income significantly lower, and they bear costs for essential safety gear like helmets and jackets.
• The "partner" classification is criticized for stripping workers of labor protections, denying them benefits like PF and financial security, despite working long hours.
• Grievances include zero pay for cancelled orders, unresponsive management, fear of contract termination for speaking out, and exposure to extreme weather and customer abuse.
• Unions like TGPWU and IFAT highlight that platforms offer temporary incentives during strikes as "propaganda" to dilute collective action, rather than addressing core issues of dignity and safety.

Why It Matters: Gig workers demand fair pay, safety, and labor rights, accusing platforms of exploitation despite "partner" status.