An X post about certain policies for Swiggy agents has sparked a heated debate online. The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union called out the food delivery giant for charging its workers for the t-shirts, bags and raincoats they are mandated to wear. These kit items display Swiggy's name and may thus be considered a form of branding. The post included screenshots that show the price of these items. As per the photos, a Swiggy raincoat costs Rs 749, while the bag costs Rs 299 after a discount (the original price is listed as Rs 899). A "Swiggy Kit", comprising two shirts and a bag, costs Rs 1199.
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In the other screenshot, we see Swiggy's directive to agents mandating them to carry the branded bag. Failure to comply will lead to penalties, as per the text in the photo. It also underlines, "Carrying Swiggy bags to ensure hygienic deliveries is of utmost importance." Moreover, in case the bag is damaged or lost, the agents are supposed to buy the replacement themselves. The caption of the post reads, "Dear @Swiggy, why are delivery workers being charged for a bag, Raincoat and t-shirt that advertise your brand? If it's promoting #Swiggy, they shouldn't have to pay for it."
Dear @Swiggy why are delivery workers being charged for a bag, Raincoat and t-shirt that advertise your brand? If it’s promoting #swiggy, they shouldn’t have to pay for it. pic.twitter.com/CByw0sei0B
— Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (@TGPWU) July 23, 2024
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We reached out to Swiggy for a response, but the brand chose not to comment on the viral post. The X post has created quite a buzz online, receiving more than 150K views so far. Many people reacted with their own takes on the policy and the situation. Check out some of the comments below:
Delivery partners have to BUY these ? I was Under the impression that these are given freely by swiggy.
— Biryani Undha ?? (@baeforbiryani) July 24, 2024
This actually makes a lot of sense. Good on you to bring this out, Swiggy must respond.
— TM (@_tanmay1) July 24, 2024
Declaring them as delivery partners they are getting away from everything.
— think_buzz (@DHAVAL_PRAJA) July 24, 2024
Now we'll get raincoat and bag charges as an additional entry in our bill
— Aman Kulkarni (@AmanTheKulkarni) July 24, 2024
To prevent abuse! Anything free u can give to anyone who ain't working for Swiggy! To keep track of em too ! I know it sounds bad I think this is the logic !
— Radiking ?.Monad ? (@radikingjo) July 24, 2024
What a shame! I thought Swiggy provides all these to their delivery partners but this is ridiculous.
— ನಿರ್ಜೀವಿ (@OntiJeevi) July 24, 2024
Deposits for first time riders
Purchase for replacement of gear pic.twitter.com/K5nosOJSFi— Ak7 (@Ak4714498) July 24, 2024
Before this, Swiggy made headlines when it hiked its platform fees recently. Zomato, the other major player in the food delivery space, also increased its fees. Click here to read the full story.
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