General Hyderabad

TGPWU demands welfare board, legal protections for gig and platform workers

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Hyderabad: The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) and the Telangana State Taxi and Driver Joint Action Committee (TTD-JAC) are organizing a protest at LB Stadium, Hyderabad, on Friday calling for improved rights and working conditions for taxi drivers.

Shaik Salauddin, Founder President of TGPWU said, “The protest aims to pressure the state government to address several key demands, including the implementation of promises made in the Congress party’s manifesto”. The drivers’ unions assert that these commitments, which were supposed to be fulfilled within 15 days of the new government taking office under Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, remain unaddressed”.

Among the primary demands is the Establishment of a Welfare Board, prohibition of bike-based transportation services operated through platforms like Ola, Uber, and Rapido, which the unions consider illegal. The protesters are also pushing for the establishment of a standardized kilometer-based fare system to ensure fair compensation for drivers.

The unions are advocating for comprehensive protection of gig and platform workers’ rights through new legislation that would guarantee social security benefits and fair wages. Another significant demand is the development of a government-operated ride-hailing application, which would serve as an alternative to existing private platforms.

Shaik Salauddin, Founder President of TGPWU and A Nagesh Kumar, Co-Chairman of TTD-JAC, are leading the protest. The protesters are also calling for the renewal of a Rs 5 lakh accident insurance scheme for 2024-2025. Additionally, they are demanding an immediate increase in hire vehicle charges from Rs 34,000 to Rs 55,000.