Telangana Govt calls emergency meeting with Ola, Uber, Swiggy, Zomato, others ahead of planned gig workers' strike
Hyderabad, August 7
The Telangana Labour Department has convened an emergency joint conciliation meeting with major platform companies ahead of an indefinite strike called by gig and platform workers from August 8.
The meeting comes after representations submitted by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) and Telangana App-Based Drivers Forum (TADF).
Management representatives of Ola, Uber, Rapido, Porter, Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto, Blinkit and other platform companies have been directed to attend with authorised representatives and relevant records
According to TGPWU Founder President Shaik Salauddin, this is the final government-level conciliation meeting before the indefinite strike. The outcome is expected to decide the next course of action for lakhs of gig, platform, app-based cab, auto and delivery workers across Telangana.
The workers' unions have raised long-pending demands related to wages, welfare and working conditions. The TGPWU President had called for the removal of the 10-minute delivery option from all platforms and the reinstatement of the previous payout structure. Speaking to ANI on July 22, TGPWU President had set three demands of the gig workers.
"First, we are asking for fares to be increased immediately because, despite submitting multiple representations to both the government and platform companies over time, no one has listened...second, we are asking for something very important: although the Gig and Platform Workers Act was passed, the rules and the board itself have not been implemented, so we demand that the board and its rules be implemented immediately. Third, we are asking for the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines of 2020 and 2025--which have not been implemented by the state government--to be implemented right away, while taking suggestions and feedback through stakeholder meetings with unions...we do not accept white number plate four-wheelers or two-wheelers being used for commercial rides," he said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally, someone is addressing the gig economy crisis. I recently moved to Hyderabad for work and use these apps daily. It breaks my heart to see delivery partners rushing in peak heat. Hope the government doesn't just do a photo-op meeting - they need to actually implement the rules that were passed years ago.
The Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines need to be enforced strictly. White board vehicles doing commercial rides is a big safety concern, especially for women passengers. I've cancelled rides multiple times when the car didn't match the app details. Government should take a firm stand here.
I understand the workers' frustration but let's be practical - if fares increase too much, customers will switch to other options and ultimately the workers will lose. The companies also need to be fair though. Why reduce payout structures when their profits are hitting record highs every quarter? Itna exploitation mat karo yaar. 😤
As someone who's worked in the tech sector globally, I can say India needs a robust gig worker framework. The Telangana government is taking a step in the right direction by creating a conciliation forum. But the unions need to be reasonable too - completely banning 10-minute delivery might not be the answer; maybe better algorithms and smarter logistics would help.
The timing of this strike (Aug 8) is interesting - right before Raksha Bandhan and Independence Day when the app orders usually spike. Smart move by the unions. But I hope the companies don't use replacements to break the strike. These workers have families to feed and they deserve a dignified livelihood. Jab tak app waale companies respond nahi karenge, tab
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