Gig Workers’ Union Rejects Zomato CEO’s Claims, Flags Lack of Paid Leave, Social Security

The Telangana delivery workers' union has reacted to Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal's support of the company's gig model by calling the existing working conditions "not decent work". This has intensified the discussion around compensation and benefits in India's rapidly expanding quick commerce industry. A five-point statement outlining how delivery partners make money on Zomato and Blinkit was posted by Goyal on X.

It included an average hourly wage of INR 102 in 2025 (not counting tips) and an increase of 10.9% annually. According to him, partners set their own hours, keep all of the gratuities from customers, and are not coerced into reckless driving by promises of 10-minute delivery. Goyal also emphasised the importance of welfare benefits like pension support and insurance.

TGPWA Gave a Reality Check to Goyal’s Claims

The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Association (TGPWA), however, vehemently disputed these assertions, stating that many riders' realities varied significantly. When fuel and maintenance expenses are taken into account, net earnings come to about INR 81 per hour, or about INR 21,000 per month for someone working 10 hours a day for 26 days, according to the union's post on X.

The union called the current situation "not decent work", pointing out that delivery partners are not given accident insurance, social security coverage, or paid leave. About 5% of orders on Zomato are tipped, according to the union, which raises doubts about the size of the additional revenue Goyal indicated.

Long Standing Debate Between Gig Workers and QComm Players

Concerns over poor pay, a lack of conventional labour safeguards, and hazardous working conditions have prompted strikes and online protests by worker associations around India, including those opposing the 10-minute delivery model. According to an HT Media report, the Gig & Platform Services Workers Union (GIPSWU) has supported walkouts and called for statutory benefits and formal minimum wage rates for platform workers.

Goyal's supporters point out that many workers appreciate the autonomy the gig model offers and contend that gigs are intended to be flexible side income alternatives rather than formal jobs with traditional benefits. A few prominent members of the industry have openly supported the CEO's assertions. Transparency-related concerns, such as calls for platforms to make detailed earnings information publicly available, are gaining momentum as the discussion heats up. More clarity has been demanded by independent critics so that gig labour and formal sector salaries can be accurately compared.