Telangana cabbies, gig workers call off strike after govt assures welfare framework

A proposed strike by gig and platform workers' unions in Telangana has been called off following discussions with the state government on Friday. The strike, which was scheduled to begin on August 8, was withdrawn after the government assured the unions that their demands would be examined sympathetically.

The talks were chaired by Labour Minister G. Vivek Venkatswamy, who held discussions with union representatives on issues related to workers' welfare, social security, and other pending demands. The Minister stated that the government was committed to protecting the rights of gig workers and was in the process of framing guidelines for implementing the Telangana Gig Workers Welfare Act.

According to the Minister, the guidelines would be notified shortly. He appealed to the union representatives to remain patient until the implementation framework was finalised, assuring them that all their demands would be considered. The government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the well-being of gig workers, who are a growing segment of the workforce in the state.

The Telangana Gig Workers Welfare Act, passed last year, aims to provide social security and welfare measures for gig and platform workers, including those working for ride-hailing services, food delivery platforms, and other digital aggregators. The Act is one of the first of its kind in India, and its implementation has been closely watched by worker unions and industry stakeholders.

Gig workers have often raised concerns about low pay, lack of social security, and precarious working conditions. The unions had threatened to strike to press the government to expedite the implementation of the Act and address these issues. With the government's assurance, the immediate crisis has been averted, but the unions have said they will monitor the progress of the guidelines.

The decision to call off the strike comes as a relief to commuters and users of app-based services in Telangana, who might otherwise have faced disruption in cab and delivery services. The government and the unions have agreed to continue the dialogue, with the next round of discussions expected after the guidelines are notified.