Marathi Language Row: IFAT Condemns Delivery Worker Harassment, Calls For Stronger Safety Protocols And Redressal Mechanisms

Mumbai: The Indian Federation of App-based Transport Workers condemned the humiliation of a delivery worker who was forced to speak Marathi by a customer in order to receive payment for his service.

The federation asked app-based companies that employ delivery workers and drivers to implement strong safety protocols and redressal mechanisms for those facing customer harassment or discrimination.

The mechanisms could be helplines, a grievance redressal system, and clear accountability for customer misconduct. The group also asked the state and central governments to take a firm stand against such incidents.

The federation said that the incident is not only objectionable, but also reveals the everyday indignities faced by app-based delivery workers across the country.

Our delivery workers brave rain, heat, traffic, and unsafe conditions to ensure timely service and customer satisfaction, IFAT said in a statement. Despite this, they remain vulnerable to harassment, abuse, and discrimination-whether on the basis of language, religion, caste, or region, the federation added, saying that similar instances are reported in other states too.

IFAT said Maharashtrian culture stands for respect and inclusion and weaponising language to demean or deny someone their right to work is an act of chauvinism, not cultural pride.