Introduction: The Urgency of the Situation
Gig workers in India, particularly those working for Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, and Zepto, face severe hardships under extreme weather conditions.
As the temperature soars to 45 degrees Celsius, these workers are compelled to endure the heat to make a livable wage, highlighting the disproportionate impact of the climate crisis on lower-income groups.
The Day-to-Day Struggle
Delivery workers wait for orders in Delhi, often enduring the scorching sun with minimal shade or cooling facilities.
They refill their bottles and wet their scarves at single water coolers, trying to find relief before heading out to deliver orders.
Heat, Sickness, and Lack of Leave
Around 400 delivery workers frequent this compound daily, spending hours in the blazing sun with little institutional support. Many workers report frequent debilitating headaches due to the heat, but they cannot afford to take sick leave.
A delivery worker with Zomato, fell ill due to severe heat and was absent for eight days without any check-in or concern from his supervisor, reflecting the lack of empathy and support.
The Irony of Sustainability Goals
Zomato emphasizes its commitment to sustainability, with about 25% of its 647 million deliveries last year made by workers on bicycles.
This approach, however, places gig workers at higher risk as they must brave the extreme heat to meet the company's sustainability goals.
Company Responses and Shortcomings
Zomato claims to have doubled its rest points to 450 across India, providing comfortable seating, free drinking water, washroom facilities, and mobile charging points, with plans to add 5,000 more by June's end.
They also distribute refreshments and glucose to workers and have introduced a new full-sleeve shirt, though workers may have to pay for it.
Blinkit is installing air coolers in waiting areas, but the Kishangarh store lacks this facility.
Discrimination at Restaurants
Apart from company support, delivery workers face discrimination at restaurants. Many establishments have separate entries and exits for delivery workers, and they are often denied access to washrooms.
One of the Swiggy workers explains that restaurants want to keep delivery workers invisible to avoid ruining the customer experience.
Impact on Health and Well-being
The extreme heat has a direct impact on the health and well-being of these workers. Nearly 60 gig workers interviewed reported severe health issues due to the heat. Close to 20 of them, or over 30%, said they took a break from work after they fell sick due to the heat. The remaining workers continued to work despite similar problems because they could not afford to take leave.
A Swiggy Instamart worker, shares that in the past two months, not a day has gone by when he has not had a debilitating headache at work.
Despite knowing that the sun is causing his headaches, he cannot take a break due to financial constraints.
Lack of Institutional Support
Delivery workers receive minimal institutional support from their companies.
This lack of empathy and support from supervisors only exacerbates the workers' struggles.
Sustainability Goals and Workers' Plight
Zomato highlights its commitment to sustainability, with 20% of its total orders in 2022-2023 delivered by workers on bicycles. The company claims that almost all of its carbon footprint comes from its last-mile delivery service, and it aims to achieve net-zero emissions across its food ordering and delivery value chain by 2030. However, this emphasis on sustainability places gig workers at higher risk, as they must brave the extreme heat to help the company meet its goals.
Company Initiatives and Shortcomings
Zomato has doubled its rest points to 450 across India, providing comfortable seating, free drinking water, washroom facilities, and mobile charging points. The company plans to add at least 5,000 such points by the end of June.
Additionally, Zomato has procured refreshments, juices, and glucose to distribute among its delivery workers and has introduced a new full-sleeve shirt for them.
Blinkit is installing air coolers in the waiting areas of all stores to provide immediate relief from the heat.
Discrimination at Restaurants
Delivery workers also face discrimination at restaurants. Many establishments have separate entries and exits for delivery workers, and they are often denied access to washrooms.
Conclusion: The Broader Implications
The plight of gig workers in India under extreme weather conditions is a stark reminder of the broader implications of the climate crisis on vulnerable populations.
As these workers struggle to meet their daily needs, the lack of adequate support from companies and discriminatory practices at restaurants exacerbate their hardships.
Importance for UPSC CAPF and Other Competitive Exams
Understanding the struggles of gig workers in the context of India's climate crisis is crucial for aspirants of UPSC CSE, UPSC CAPF, and other competitive exams.
This issue reflects the intersection of economic challenges, labor rights, and climate change, making it pertinent for essay writing, current affairs, and interview preparation.
Familiarity with this topic aids in addressing UPSC CAPF AC essay topics 2024, UPSC CAPF AC exam preparation, current affairs, and CAPF AC syllabus 2024.
This knowledge is also relevant for CDS, NDA, SSB Interview, AFCAT, IAS, IB ACIO, and other exams focusing on national and international issues.
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