From Amazon’s Haryana Warehouse To The Delivery Boy At Your Doorstep — Tales Of Oaths And Indignity

What allows companies to keep workers casual, celebrating ‘partners’ for PR purposes while ignoring protests demanding basic rights?

Worker Conditions

• Heatwave Impact: Workers endure extreme heat; customers are asked to offer water to delivery personnel.
• Lack of Support: Companies like Blinkit, Zomato, Zepto, and Swiggy provide no hazard pay or assistance.
• Low Wages: Amazon warehouse workers earn less than Rs 11,000 per month.
• Inhuman Treatment: Workers are forced to take an oath not to drink water or use the toilet until targets are met, violating labour laws.

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Comparison with Global Practices

• Jeff Bezos: Amazon founder’s wealth is nearly $200 billion.
• Labour Exploitation: Similar inhuman treatment of Amazon workers in the US and India.
• Partnership Model: Companies like Uber use a “partnership” model to avoid providing job security and benefits.

Innovation and Inequality

• Guaranteed Deliveries: Companies rely on a vast labour force for sorting, sourcing, and delivery.
• Gig Workers: Lack job security, benefits, and recourse when mistreated.
• Economic Disparity: Gig workers’ low wages prevent them from affording the products they deliver.

Capitalism Critique “Historical Comparison”

• Henry Ford: Innovated assembly lines and ensured workers could afford the products they made.
• Modern Plutocrats: Innovators like Bezos lack similar concern for workers’ wages.

Labour Market Dynamics in India

• Abundance of Cheap Labour: Desperation for employment leads to acceptance of any available work.
• Gig Work vs. Jobs: Gig work provides employment but lacks the stability and benefits of traditional jobs.
• Economic Theories: Some economists argue that any work is better than no work and that economic growth will address dignity and decency issues over time.

Role of the State and Society

• Historical Norms: The fight for the eight-hour workday in the late 19th century led to labour laws to prevent exploitation.
• Constitutional Rights: Dignity and equality are fundamental rights in the Indian Constitution.
• Economic Desperation: Should not justify degrading treatment of workers.

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Conclusion

Real change for gig workers requires systemic reforms, not superficial PR gestures. Ensuring dignity and fair treatment is essential for sustainable economic and social well-being.