A resident of a multi-story building had ordered biryani online at 2:30 AM. The delivery boy arrived at the doorstep with the order on time. The delivery boy requested that he come down to collect the food packet. When a 'doorstep delivery' order has been placed, why should one have to come down to collect the order? The customer was adamant. A heated argument began between the two on that winter night. Eventually, the delivery boy cancelled the order and started eating the biryani himself. He shared the video on social media. This video has sparked a new controversy amid the ongoing movement by gig workers with multiple demands.
Also Read | Foreigner films man dumping trash into sea at Gateway of India, sparks online outrage
This video was shared from Zomato delivery agent Ankur Thakur's Instagram profile on January 1. It has already crossed 1.2 million views. In the video, Ankur presented several arguments in favour of not delivering to the customer's door. His point was that he was unwilling to leave his bike unattended downstairs in a multi-story building late at night. After riding his bike in the cold for a long time to deliver food, what harm would it do if the customer came down the stairs to collect the order? Ankur Thakur questioned.
The delivery boy also mentioned that the customer shouted instructions from the balcony, saying that since payment had been made, the packet must be delivered to the door. The customer also said, either come up and deliver the order, or cancel the order. After hearing this, Ankur cancelled the order.
Netizens began expressing different opinions about the video. Someone wrote in the comment box saying well done, eating it. Many customers don't show humanity. While others wrote that it was necessary to work following the delivery company's rules. If there are so many difficulties, why are you doing this job?
Also Read | Indian students told not to heat 'palak paneer', lose jobs, win Rs 1.8 crore in US discrimination case
Controversy has already begun across the country regarding the safety of gig workers. Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has called upon companies like 'Zomato', 'Blinkit', 'Zepto', and 'Swiggy' to move away from strict promises of delivering goods within specific timeframes. Pressuring for rushed deliveries could put workers at risk. The companies have assured the government that specific delivery time promises will be removed from advertisements and promotional materials.
