I worked as a food delivery boy in Bengaluru. Guess how much I earned in a week | Gig workers

Summary

In this engaging video, the narrator dives into the realities of being a food delivery driver in Bengaluru, exploring the gig economy's highs and lows. From signing up easily and battling traffic to navigating battery-draining apps and low earnings, the experience offers a candid look at the challenges faced by gig workers. Despite the struggles, the narrator finds ways to improve efficiency, even earning a modest income after a long day of work. The video also touches on the Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers Bill, which aims to address the welfare of gig workers, adding a social dimension to the personal story.

Takeaways

• 😀 Signing up for food delivery work in Bengaluru is quick and easy, requiring just basic questions about bike ownership and riding skills.
• 🚦 Bengaluru’s traffic is a major challenge for food delivery workers, making it difficult to meet deadlines and efficiently complete deliveries.
• 💸 On average, delivery workers earn around Rs. 10 per kilometer, but expenses like fuel and phone battery drain can reduce overall profits.
• 🔋 Managing phone battery life is critical for delivery workers, as running both the delivery app and Google Maps can drain the battery quickly.
• 💼 The Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers Bill seeks to improve conditions for gig workers, including the establishment of a welfare fund and dispute resolution mechanisms.
• ⏰ Gig workers like delivery riders often face long hours, with 7-hour workdays resulting in modest earnings, such as Rs. 371.
• 🛵 Switching from a bike to a scooter can significantly reduce fuel expenses for delivery workers, improving their overall profit margin.
• 🌧️ Gig workers may earn additional income during adverse weather conditions, such as when it rains, as some platforms offer extra payment for deliveries in such conditions.
• 🤝 The gig economy offers flexibility but lacks traditional employment benefits, making it both an opportunity and a challenge for those depending on it for their livelihood.
• 🏛️ The Karnataka state government’s proposed bill could bring significant changes to the gig economy, creating better protections for workers, such as transparency in ratings and monitoring.
• 🔄 Gig workers must adapt and make practical adjustments, like carrying a battery bank and optimizing routes, to make their job more viable and profitable.

Q & A

How easy was it to sign up as a delivery driver in Bengaluru?

Signing up as a delivery driver in Bengaluru was very easy. The only requirements were knowing how to ride a bike and owning one. Once these were confirmed, the individual received their first delivery assignment immediately.

What was the biggest challenge faced by the individual while delivering food?

The biggest challenge was Bengaluru’s heavy traffic, which slowed down deliveries. Additionally, the phone’s battery drained quickly because both the delivery app and Google Maps were running simultaneously, making it hard to maintain charge during long work hours.

How much did the individual earn during their first few days of work?

On the first day, the individual earned 17 rupees in one hour. On the second day, after working for 2.5 hours, they earned 184 rupees. By the third day, they worked for 3 hours and earned about 194 rupees, but spent an additional hour trying to earn a bit more.

What adjustments did the individual make to improve their earnings?

The individual made several adjustments to improve earnings. They switched from a bike to a scooter to save on fuel costs and worked longer hours, aiming for at least 7 hours of work a day. They also brought along a battery bank to prevent phone battery issues.

How much did the individual earn after working for 7 hours straight?

After working for 7 continuous hours, the individual earned a total of 371 rupees, which they considered a decent earning for the day.

What did the individual learn about the delivery process through their experience?

The individual learned that delivering food is more difficult than it seems. They gained insight into the time and effort required to handle traffic, find the correct delivery addresses, and manage logistics. They also realized that workers don’t get paid for travel time between restaurants and customers.

Did the individual receive any tips from customers for their deliveries?

No, the individual did not receive any tips from customers. However, one customer showed appreciation by giving them a small gift, which was a kind gesture but not a typical reward for delivery work.

How did the individual feel about the payment system and working conditions for gig workers?

The individual felt that the payment system was unfair because they weren’t compensated for travel time, and they were penalized if they arrived late. However, they acknowledged the effort that goes into the job and recognized that many workers depend on gig work for their livelihood.

What impact could the Karnataka *Platform-based Gig Workers Bill* have on gig workers?

The Karnataka *Platform-based Gig Workers Bill* could provide better protections and welfare benefits for gig workers, such as the creation of a welfare fund, dispute resolution mechanisms, and possibly better compensation and working conditions. This could make gig work more sustainable and secure for workers.

What is the importance of the *Platform-based Gig Workers Bill* in the context of gig economy workers?

The *Platform-based Gig Workers Bill* is important because it seeks to address long-standing issues faced by gig workers, such as low wages, lack of benefits, and the absence of a dispute resolution system. By creating a welfare fund and providing better worker protections, the bill aims to improve the livelihood and security of gig workers.