**Zomato Increases Delivery Partner Incentives Amid Nationwide Strike**
Food delivery service Zomato has announced a rise in incentives for its delivery partners during peak hours and year-end days, anticipating a significant increase in demand during the festive season. This announcement coincides with a nationwide strike by gig workers across India, including those working with Zomato and Swiggy, who are protesting against low wages, inadequate social security, and poor working conditions, particularly as platforms prepare for a surge in orders on New Year’s Eve.
Zomato clarified that the incentive increase is not a response to the strike. A spokesperson for Eternal, Zomato’s parent company, stated that the enhanced payouts for December 31 are part of the company’s standard operating procedures. “This is part of our standard annual operating protocol during festive periods, which typically see higher earning opportunities due to increased demand,” the spokesperson explained.
On December 25, over 23,000 gig workers reportedly earned more than ₹1,500, and Zomato anticipates that delivery partners could earn up to ₹3,000 on New Year’s Eve. The company is offering between ₹120-150 per order during peak hours from 6 PM to 12 AM. Additionally, Zomato has eliminated penalties for order cancellations and denials to mitigate income loss risks during fluctuating order volumes.
Swiggy is also enhancing incentives for its delivery partners, with reports indicating that they could earn up to ₹10,000 over December 31 and January 1. Swiggy emphasized that these incentives are part of their regular operating practices, aimed at empowering delivery partners during peak demand periods. The platform is promoting potential earnings of up to ₹2,000 for the six-hour window on New Year’s Eve to ensure sufficient rider availability during this busy time.
The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union (TGPWU) and the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT) have claimed that hundreds of thousands of workers are participating in the nationwide strike to demand better pay and improved working conditions.
In conclusion, as Zomato and Swiggy prepare for a busy festive season, the increased incentives for delivery partners highlight the ongoing challenges faced by gig workers in India, who continue to advocate for better compensation and working conditions.
**FAQ**
**What are the expected earnings for Zomato delivery partners on New Year’s Eve?**
Zomato delivery partners are expected to earn up to ₹3,000 on New Year’s Eve, with incentives ranging from ₹120-150 per order during peak hours.
