Gig workers in the national capital said on Tuesday that quick-commerce companies reportedly removing the 10-minute delivery guarantee for customers has had little real impact on their working conditions. Since most of their income depends on completing a high number of deliveries, the pressure to deliver quickly continues. With no assured minimum wage and low pay per order, workers said they are compelled to depend on incentives offered by platforms, which are inconsistent and uncertain. The workers spoke on condition of anonymity due to fear of repercussions.
A 19-year-old delivery partner from west Delhi said he needs to complete over 35 deliveries a day to earn ₹1,200–1,500, even after working nearly 15 hours. “We risk our lives, ride on the wrong side of the road, just to meet targets and qualify for incentives,” he said. Another 26-year-old worker explained that earning a ₹440 incentive requires him to make nearly 40 deliveries daily. Dharmendra Kumar, national president of the Amazon India Workers’ Union, welcomed the change but stressed that the core issues remain, including lack of minimum wages, insurance, and safety measures. He added that workers are pushed by ratings and incentives to work long hours of 10–12 hours daily.
