Hyderabad: Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union (TGPWU) has boycotted Zepto’s Ramanthapur dark store in the city.
This follows the company’s alleged complete refusal to engage with delivery workers over their demands.
Workers Protest Exploitative Conditions
In a statement issued Thursday, TGPWU outlined multiple grievances, alleging exploitative practices by the quick-commerce platform. Key concerns include low and inconsistent delivery rates, unsafe working conditions, lack of basic amenities, and the absence of any formal social security framework for app-based delivery workers.
“Zepto delivery partners are earning as low as Rs 10–15 per delivery despite working long shifts,” the union said. “There is no guarantee of minimum income, which has pushed many workers into debt.”
According to the union, the 10–15-minute delivery mandate enforced by Zepto is placing workers at heightened risk. “The unrealistic delivery deadlines force riders to drive at unsafe speeds. This increases their chances of road accidents,” the statement added.
Lack of Infrastructure and Social Protection
TGPWU also drew attention to the absence of basic amenities at Zepto’s dark stores. “There are no restrooms, rest areas, or clean drinking water available during the long work shifts,” said Shaik Salauddin, National General Secretary of the Indian Federation of App-based Transport Workers (IFAT) and President of TGPWU.
The union further alleged that workers are subjected to arbitrary penalties and account suspensions without transparent processes or the right to appeal. “Delivery workers bear fuel expenses, phone data charges, and vehicle maintenance costs. These are essential tools for work, yet they are entirely self-funded,” Salauddin said.
He also added, “These deductions and expenses are silently eroding what little income workers make, pushing them deeper into financial insecurity.”
Demands Submitted to Labour Commissioner and Zepto CEO
The union has formally submitted a list of demands to Telangana’s Labour Commissioner and Zepto CEO Aadit Palicha. The demands include:
Immediate formal labour inspection of Zepto operations in Telangana.
Enforcement of minimum wage norms and occupational safety standards.
Establishment of a fair grievance redressal system with representation from workers and unions.
Legal recognition of app-based workers under applicable labour laws.
Mandatory registration of gig workers on the e-Shram portal.
Provision of social security benefits, including health insurance and accident coverage.
TGPWU has also requested a tripartite meeting involving the Labour Department, Zepto’s management, and union representatives to facilitate negotiation and end the strike.
Call for Regulatory Oversight
“This strike is not just about one company. It’s about the future of app-based workers in India,” Salauddin said. “We need a regulatory framework that ensures accountability, minimum standards of dignity, and lawful protection for lakhs of workers who keep the gig economy running.”
As of Friday morning, operations at the Ramanthapur dark store remained halted, with union members continuing protests. Zepto has yet to issue a public response regarding the strike or the demands submitted by TGPWU.
