Tanya Sen
New Delhi: 3 june, 2024
As temperatures soar across the nation, Zomato, one of India’s leading food delivery platforms, has sparked controversy with its recent plea to customers.
In the face of impending heatwave conditions forecasted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the company took to social media urging patrons to refrain from ordering food during ‘peak’ afternoon hours, citing concerns for the safety of their delivery partners.
The viral post, issued on June 2nd, quickly garnered attention and ignited a heated debate among social media users. While some applauded Zomato’s consideration for the well-being of its delivery personnel, others criticized the move as impractical and questioned its implications for both customers and delivery workers.
Conversely, supporters of Zomato commended the platform for its proactive stance on worker welfare. “I was thinking the same thing today, then decided to eat Maggi instead of ordering online,” shared one user.
Another expressed gratitude, saying, “Ordered directly from the restaurant. Thank you for being considerate about the delivery boys.”
The debate comes amidst warnings from the IMD of heatwave conditions expected to affect several regions of the country on June 3rd.
According to IMD forecasts, heatwave conditions are likely to prevail in isolated pockets of Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, Jammu division, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
While Zomato’s call to action may have sparked divisive reactions, it has shed light on the challenges faced by delivery workers during extreme weather conditions and reignited discussions about the responsibilities of companies towards their frontline employees.
As the heatwave looms, the debate surrounding Zomato’s plea underscores the delicate balance between business operations and worker welfare in the face of adverse environmental conditions.
Shruti Suman
