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Zomato, Blinkit Defy Strike, Deliver Record Orders on New Year's Eve

Zomato and Blinkit achieved record delivery numbers on New Year's Eve, unaffected by a nationwide strike called by some delivery partners. Founder Deepinder Goyal credited law enforcement and the majority of delivery partners who chose to work. He asserted the system is fair and defended the gig economy as a major job creator. The strike was organized by a workers' federation protesting working conditions and low wages.

Key Points: Zomato, Blinkit Unaffected by Delivery Partner Strike on NYE

  • Record 75 lakh orders delivered
  • Strike calls by delivery partners
  • No additional incentives provided
  • Gig economy defended as job creator
2 min read

Zomato, Blinkit services unaffected by strike calls on New Year's eve: Deepinder Goyal

Zomato's Deepinder Goyal reports record deliveries on New Year's Eve despite strike calls, thanking delivery partners and law enforcement.

"The gig economy is one of India's largest organised job creation engines... - Deepinder Goyal"

New Delhi, January 1

Zomato and Blinkit delivered at a "record pace" on New Year's Eve, unaffected by calls for strikes by delivery partners over the past few days, Founder Deepinder Goyal has asserted.

In a LinkedIn post, Deepinder Goyal thanked local law enforcement authorities for their support.

"Support from local law enforcement helped keep the small number of miscreants in check, enabling 4.5 lakh+ delivery partners across both platforms to deliver more than 75 lakh orders (all-time high) to over 63 lakh customers during the day, his LinkedIn post read.

This happened without any additional incentives for delivery partners, he asserted. "NYE (New Year's eve) does see higher incentives than usual days and yesterday was no different than the past NYE days."

"I am grateful to local authorities across the country and to our teams on the ground for clear enforcement and swift coordination. Most importantly, thank you to our delivery partners who showed up despite intimidation, stood their ground, and chose honest work and progress," Goyal said.

Reflecting on what he termed the "system", he said if a system were fundamentally unfair, it would not consistently attract and retain so many people who choose to work within it.

"Please don't get swept up by narratives pushed by vested interests," he apparently addressed the delivery partners.

"The gig economy is one of India's largest organised job creation engines, and its real impact will compound over time, when delivery partners' children, supported by stable incomes and education, enter the workforce and help transform our country at scale," his LinkedIn post concluded.

Platform-based delivery workers affiliated with the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT) observed a nationwide strike on Wednesday, protesting against what they alleged unfair working conditions, low wages, and the absence of social security, warning that delivery services may be severely disrupted during peak hours.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
This is the reality of the gig economy in India. It provides crucial income to lakhs of people. My cousin in Pune does Zomato deliveries part-time to pay for his MBA. Are the conditions perfect? No. But is it better than no job? For many, yes.
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Aman W
"Without any additional incentives" is the key phrase here. On a high-demand day like NYE, partners should get a bigger slice of the pie. The company made record profits, surely some can be shared more fairly? The strike call had a valid point.
S
Sarah B
As a customer, the service was seamless. But we can't ignore the workers' concerns. Stable income and social security are basic rights, not perks. Hoping for a constructive dialogue between the platforms and the partners' federation soon.
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Vikram M
The vision Goyal paints about the children of delivery partners is powerful. Education and upward mobility are everything. But that future is built on treating the parents with dignity and fair pay TODAY. Don't just talk about the future, fix the present.
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Karthik V
‍♂️ It's easy to sit in an AC office and call a protest by workers a "narrative by vested interests". These partners brave traffic, weather, and risks. If 4.5 lakh+ showed up, it's out of necessity, not necessarily because the system is "fair". Listen to them.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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