A recent debate has sparked regarding working conditions in India’s fast-growing quick commerce sector. The Telangana-based gig workers’ union criticized Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal’s defense of the company’s delivery model, labeling the current conditions as substandard. Goyal had detailed how delivery partners earn on Zomato and Blinkit, stating that in 2025, delivery partners made an average of Rs 102 per hour, excluding tips, showing a 10.9% year-on-year increase.
The CEO highlighted that delivery partners have the flexibility to choose their working hours, retain 100% of customer tips, and are not compelled to engage in unsafe driving due to 10-minute delivery commitments. Goyal also emphasized the welfare measures provided by the company, including insurance coverage and pension support. However, the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Association (TGPWA) disputed these assertions, claiming that actual earnings for many riders drop to around Rs 81 per hour after deducting expenses like fuel and vehicle maintenance.
According to the TGPWA’s calculations, a delivery partner working 10 hours a day for 26 days would earn approximately Rs 21,000 per month. The union highlighted that delivery partners lack paid leave, social security benefits, and guaranteed accident insurance, leading them to criticize the current work environment as inadequate. They also raised concerns about Goyal’s focus on tips, noting that only about 5% of Zomato orders receive tips, limiting additional income for most riders.
