Telangana Gig Workers Defer Indefinite Strike for 10 Days After Government Assurances

The proposed indefinite strike by gig and platform workers in Telangana has been deferred by 10 days following positive talks with the state government and assurances from Labour Minister Gaddam Vivek Venkataswamy.

The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union and the Telangana App-Based Drivers Forum (TADF) said the postponement would provide the government an opportunity to address their long-pending demands. However, they stressed that the decision does not mean the agitation has been withdrawn. If the assurances are not implemented, the unions will consult workers and decide on their next course of action.

Two key meetings were held on Saturday to discuss the concerns of app-based cab and auto drivers, delivery workers and other platform workers. The first meeting, chaired by Ranga Reddy Zone Joint Commissioner of Labour Shyam Sunder Reddy, was attended by union representatives, platform companies and government officials.

Transport Department officials said more time was required to implement the 2025 Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines. Worker representatives urged the government to ensure effective implementation so that aggregator companies cannot make unilateral changes to fares or working conditions.

Later, union leaders met Minister Vivek Venkataswamy, who assured them that the Labour and Transport departments would coordinate on pending issues and take them up with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for an early resolution. He also promised speedy notification of the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Rules and establishment of a Gig and Platform Workers Welfare Board.

The unions are seeking a minimum base fare and regulated per-kilometre and per-minute charges for app-based cab and auto services. They also demanded strict enforcement of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, against the commercial use of private white-plate vehicles on platforms such as Ola, Uber and Rapido, or their conversion into commercial permits.

Union founder-president Shaik Salauddin said workers expect concrete decisions on fair fares, welfare rules, the welfare board and aggregator guidelines within the 10-day period.