Hyderabad: The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union (TGPWU) has demanded accountability after a serious accident involving a Zomato delivery worker. This incident occurred on a rainy Saturday night in the city.
Around 9:30 PM near TKR Kaman, Syed Farhan, a Zomato delivery worker, fell into an open drainage during heavy rain while delivering an order. The floodwaters swept away his bike and mobile phone. Luckily, he survived the incident.
Shaik Salauddin, the Founder President of TGPWU, criticized platforms for valuing profits over safety. He urged Zomato to take full responsibility by replacing Farhan’s mobile phone, fixing his bike, and compensating for his lost earnings.
Salauddin mentioned that the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has warned delivery companies about the risks of working in extreme weather, but these warnings are often ignored. Delivery companies continue to send workers out, neglecting safety concerns.
He called on GHMC Commissioner RV Karnan to penalize any delivery company that jeopardizes workers’ lives. TGPWU also urged Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto, and others to stop endangering delivery workers during harsh weather. They should offer fair bonuses for working in rain and provide real-time weather updates to help workers make safe decisions. Salauddin stressed, “This isn’t just about a small bonus; it’s about ensuring workers return home safely.”
