Workers allege pressure by Blinkit to unblock IDs

Bengaluru: Gig workers of Zomato-owned Blinkit in Varanasi claimed that the company, on Monday, made them sign an agreement in order to have their IDs unblocked, allowing Blinkit to take any action if they stage any protest in the future.

Blinkit blocked IDs of around 150 gig workers, in retaliation to their two day protest on Saturday and Sunday, seeking the ending of mandatory work hours between 12-4 pm, increasing minimum wage, providing basic amenities, among other demands, Nirmal Gorana, National Coordinator, Gig and Platform Service Workers Union, told DH.

These workers were asked to sign the papers which had no company letterhead or any contract-related specifications. They were also asked to make a video holding the paper stating that they would comply with it. DH has seen a copy of the document.

Blinkit representatives did not respond to DH’s queries at the time of going to print.

Workers who were initially attracted by the promise of higher earnings allege that the company abruptly reduced their pay. Initially, they were paid Rs 35 for deliveries up to 2.5 km which has been brought down to Rs 26. Workers have demanded an increase in the pay rate for deliveries up to 2.5 km to Rs 40.

Santosh Jaiswal, who has been with one of Varanasi’s Blinkit stores since its inception, stated that he was initially attracted by the promise of higher earnings. He reports earning only Rs 300-400 after working for 16 hours a day. “When the store opened, riders earned Rs 130 for 15 orders, Rs 155 for 18 orders, and so on, however, the incentive rates have been reduced over the past two months to Rs 205 for 30 orders, Rs 245 for 35 orders ever since the delivery personnel increased to 150,” he added. 

The gig workers have also demanded a provision for shaded waiting areas with adequate seating, drinking water, and fans and an end to the practice of blocking worker IDs without due process and dialogue. Moreover, recognition of workers’ right to form unions and strike, as is guaranteed under article 19 of constitution and removal of the requirement to sign affidavits relinquishing this right is also a demand.

Legal experts told DH that payout structures or benefits are regulated by the contract signed.

“As long as you're a workman employee, taking away the right to strike would become a problem but as they are gig workers, they do not fall in that definition, hence, they don't have any inherent right to strike. So while any sort of declaration that gives up a legal right could be held as void, if there is no right to begin with, then contractually, you can agree to things which are not regulated by law. However, if the nature of the relationship is contested such an agreement would also come under scrutiny.” said Adil Ladha, Partner, Saraf and Partners.