Mandaviya's Intervention Sparks Change in Quick Commerce Delivery Times

By John Pranay (Editor)

A major shift in the Indian gig economy has been announced, with quick-commerce platforms Blinkit, Zepto, Zomato, and Swiggy agreeing to discontinue their 10-minute delivery branding practice. The decision follows an intervention by Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who held meetings with the platforms to discuss delivery timelines and their impact on workers. The move aims to protect the rights and safety of gig workers, who had been subjected to extreme stress and unsafe working conditions due to the pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines.

The controversy surrounding 10-minute delivery practices in India's quick-commerce sector began to unfold in December, when several unions, including the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers and the Gig and Platform Service Workers Union, called for a nationwide strike to demand reforms in the gig economy. The protests disrupted the operations of Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, and Zepto in several cities ahead of the New Year celebrations. In response, Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya held a series of meetings with representatives of the platforms to discuss delivery timelines and their impact on workers. During these meetings, Mandaviya questioned the platforms about the promise of 10-minute deliveries, with company representatives arguing that such timelines were enabled by warehouses located close to consumers and not by putting pressure on delivery workers. However, the minister urged the companies to stop the branding practice, citing concerns for the health and welfare of delivery workers.

The Indian gig economy has been plagued by issues related to worker safety and welfare for several years. In 2022, a report by the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers highlighted the risks faced by gig workers, including long working hours, lack of social security, and exposure to physical and mental stress. The report also noted that many gig workers were forced to work in hazardous conditions, including extreme temperatures and heavy traffic. The recent protests and strike by gig workers mark a significant escalation of the issue, with workers demanding regulation of platform companies under labour laws, a ban on unsafe 10-minute delivery models, and protection of their right to organize and engage in collective bargaining.

The decision to discontinue 10-minute delivery branding has been welcomed by gig workers and their unions, who have been advocating for better working conditions and protection of their rights. Shaik Salauddin, general secretary of the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers, hailed the move as a significant and much-needed step in protecting the lives and dignity of gig and platform workers. Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha also expressed gratitude for the intervention, noting that the move would help ensure the safety of delivery riders and others on the road.

The implications of the decision are still unclear, with the Labour Ministry yet to issue an official statement on the proposal. However, the move is likely to have a significant impact on the Indian gig economy, with many experts predicting that it will lead to improved working conditions and better protection of workers' rights. The decision may also have broader implications for the global gig economy, with many countries grappling with similar issues related to worker safety and welfare.

This development suggests that the Indian government is taking a more proactive approach to regulating the gig economy and protecting the rights of gig workers. However, it also highlights the need for more comprehensive reforms to address the underlying issues facing the sector. Crucially, this overlooks the fact that the gig economy is not just a Indian phenomenon, but a global issue that requires a coordinated response from governments and regulators. By taking a more nuanced approach to regulating the gig economy, the Indian government can set a precedent for other countries to follow, and help create a more equitable and sustainable future for gig workers around the world.

Our internal tone gauge currently reads: Bullish for this development.

1. On Union Labour Ministry's intervention, quick commerce platforms to stop 10-minute delivery practice — https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/union-labour-ministry-intervenes-quick-commerce-platforms-to-stop-10-minute-delivery-practice/article70504896.ece

2. Labour minister urges quick-commerce firms to drop 10-minute delivery branding: Reports — https://scroll.in/latest/1089969/labour-minister-urges-quick-commerce-firms-to-drop-10-minute-delivery-branding-reports

Methodology: This analysis combines real-time data aggregation from manually selected global sources with advanced AI synthesis, engineered to provide neutral and data-driven insights.