The possibility of delivery workers going on strike again should be a warning that we need more apps that can bring products to consumers faster than ever

We need to be more appreciative of delivery apps and the role they play in making India better. We seem to forget what life was like before these companies came along. File pic/Atul Kamble

It’s been a few weeks, but I still think about how New Year’s Eve could have been awful for so many Bombayites if a strike called by some men had to be successful in any way. These disgruntled workers (also referred to as delivery partners by people with MBAs because that is better for PR) were threatening to log off delivery and shopping apps, reduce work, and even cancel orders, simply because their demands weren’t being met. They wanted shorter hours, better pay, insurance, and better working conditions, all of which sounded reasonable, but also surprising, because we all know how rare these things are in most Indian workplaces. For unions to assume they would get these things when most white-collar workers have yet to, felt almost delusional.

I have long believed that the best way to be treated better by Indian CEOs is to reach out to them and ask politely. If these........

© Midday