Gig Workers' Strike Deferred by 10 Days, Not Withdrawn, Unions Clarify

Gig workers' unions in Telangana have clarified that the indefinite strike scheduled from August 8 has been postponed by 10 days, and not withdrawn. The decision, they said, was taken to give the state government an opportunity to act on long-pending demands of gig and platform workers.

Representatives of the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) and the Telangana App-Based Drivers Forum (TADF) said their demands remain unchanged. The postponement is not a rollback, they emphasised, but a tactical pause to allow the government to respond meaningfully.

The unions held a meeting with Joint Commissioner of Labour, Ranga Reddy Zone, Shyamsunder Reddy, during which they sought implementation of relevant guidelines and stipulations, besides protection from unilateral fare fixation by companies. The official reportedly sought time to examine their demands.

Among the key demands are notification of minimum base fares, per-kilometre rates, and per-minute rates for app-based cab and auto services. The unions also reiterated the need to implement the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, and to prevent private vehicles from being used as taxis or delivery vehicles. Additionally, they called for the immediate notification of the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Rules and the constitution of a welfare board for workers.

TGPWU president Shaik Salauddin said the unions hope the government will use the 10-day period to take concrete decisions on their demands. If there is no meaningful progress during this time, workers will be consulted before deciding on the future course of action, he added.

The development comes amid growing concerns over the working conditions of gig and platform workers in the state. Activists have long argued that app-based drivers and delivery personnel face unstable incomes, lack of social security, and arbitrary fare reductions by companies. The proposed welfare board and rules are seen as crucial steps toward addressing these issues.

The unions have indicated that they remain open to dialogue and expect the government to act with urgency. The next course of action will depend on the response to their demands within the next ten days.