Gig Workers May Go on Strike From Aug. 8

Hyderabad: Gig and platform workers unions in Telangana have called for an indefinite strike from August 8 following a flash protest last Wednesday. The strike could lead to disruption of app-based mobility and delivery services.

Nearly four lakh people providing app-based mobility and delivery services are expected to go off the roads if the strike continues, union representatives said. The agitation involves drivers and delivery personnel associated with multiple digital platforms.

The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union immediately sought dialogue with the government and platform companies, pressing for measures to ensure fair earnings, social security, transparent policies and improved working conditions.

Key demands include notification of the minimum base wage and revising per kilometer and per minute charges in consultation with driver associations. Unions have also called for algorithm transparency, demanding disclosure of wage calculations, incentives, penalties and account deactivation policies.

They demanded a cap on aggregator commissions, claiming that high platform fees reduce driver income. Unions also demanded mandatory social security measures, including health and accident insurance, pensions, maternity benefits and access to Welfare Board programmes.

Unions also called for action against unauthorized dealers and commercial operations involving vehicles from other states, stating that such practices negatively impact local workers. They also called on the government to notify and implement the Gig and Platform Workers Rules and constitute a Welfare Board without delay.

Stating that the strike will continue if the demands remain unresolved, the unions said that representatives of application-based taxi drivers, auto drivers, freight transport operators and delivery workers on platforms such as Ola, Uber, Rapido, Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto and Blinkit will participate.