The indefinite strike planned by gig and platform workers in Telangana has been postponed by ten days. This decision follows discussions with the Telangana government, during which Labour Minister Gaddam Vivek Venkataswamy provided assurances to the workers’ unions. The postponement aims to give the government a window to address long-standing demands from the gig workforce, without signalling a retreat from their struggle.

The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) and the Telangana App-Based Drivers Forum (TADF) are behind the planned strike. They have made it clear that this delay should not be seen as a cancellation of their demands but rather an opportunity for actionable outcomes within the next ten days.

Meetings with Government Officials

Two significant meetings took place on August 8, focusing on the workers’ grievances. The first, a joint conciliation meeting, was led by Shyamsunder Reddy, Joint Commissioner of Labour for the Rangareddy Zone, and included stakeholders from TGPWU, TADF, various platform companies, and government representatives.

During this initial meeting, officials from the Transport Department requested further time to assess the implementation of the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025. Workers’ representatives strongly urged the department to enforce these guidelines effectively, advocating for protections against arbitrary fare adjustments and operational decisions made by platform companies.

In the second meeting, Labour Minister Gaddam Vivek Venkataswamy assured the union representatives that immediate steps would be taken to liaise with both the Labour and Transport Departments. He indicated that the unresolved issues would be presented to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for prompt action.

Key Demands from Workers’ Unions

The unions have articulated specific demands, including the notification of the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, and the establishment of fair base fares and per-kilometre rates for app-based cab and auto services. They also highlighted the need for strict enforcement of existing laws to prevent the commercial use of private vehicles for transport services without proper registration.

Additionally, there is a call for immediate legislative action on the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Rules, along with the formation of a welfare board dedicated to the interests of gig workers. These demands aim to achieve fair compensation, legal safeguards, transparency, and improve the dignity of work within this sector.

Notable figures attending these meetings included Additional Labour Commissioner E. Gangadhar and Additional Transport Commissioner C. Ramesh, along with various officials and trade union representatives. The union delegation comprised notable leaders, including TGPWU Founder President Shaik Salauddin and several other representatives from affiliated organisations.

Future Outlook for Gig and Platform Workers

Given the reassuring statements from government officials, the TGPWU, TADF, and supporting trade unions have opted to defer their indefinite strike for a period of ten days. They expressed hope that concrete actions will address the pending concerns during this time frame.

Nevertheless, the unions clarified that this postponement is not an end to their campaign. Should there be insufficient progress or fulfilment of the government’s promises within the ten-day period, a consultation among gig and platform workers throughout Telangana will determine the subsequent course of action.

Shaik Salauddin, the TGPWU Founder President, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to securing fair fare structures, proper implementation of regulatory guidelines, and the establishment of social security mechanisms for all gig workers in the state. The unions remain vigilant, committed to advocating for their members’ rights and wellbeing.

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