Hyderabad Gig Workers' Flash Strike Disrupts Services on Rainy Wednesday

Hyderabad witnessed partial disruption of app-based services on a rainy Wednesday following a flash strike called by gig workers, including cab and autorickshaw drivers and delivery personnel. The strike, organised by the Telangana App Based Drivers Forum (TADF) and the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU), sought to press for a fair minimum base fare, implementation of the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Rules, constitution of a welfare board, and enforcement of minimum fares under the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025.

The impact was less apparent in the morning due to rain, which also made it difficult to distinguish whether disruption to food delivery services was caused by the strike or weather. However, the effect became noticeable in the afternoon, particularly around school dismissal time, when many parents reported long waiting times for booking cabs or autos. Some autorickshaw unions joined the strike, while others continued to operate, leading to uneven availability.

One parent reported difficulty booking a cab despite planning ahead, noting that even an auto driver they frequently hired refused service. Union leaders apologised to the public for the inconvenience, stating that workers were compelled to resort to the flash strike after their demands for fair fares, social security, and better working conditions remained unaddressed. Shaik Salauddin from TGPWU said, 'We want to apologise to the public and tell them to put up with this inconvenience for just one day. We request them to understand the situation.'

According to the organisers, nearly 3.90 lakh gig and platform workers across Telangana participated in the strike, including app-based cab drivers, auto drivers, goods transport drivers, and delivery workers from various digital platforms. The unions are seeking discussions with the government and companies, warning of an indefinite strike after August 8 if their demands are not met.