Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union seeks intervention for issues faced by gig workers

Shaikh Salauddin Photo Credit: NAGARA GOPAL

The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union (TGPWU) submitted a representation to the Transport Commissioner and sought his intervention to resolve issues gig and platform workers have been facing. These include the plying of private vehicles doubling up as taxis, alleged exploitation of drivers and taxis from other States plying the roads.

According to TGPWU president Shaik Salauddin, illegal operation of bike taxis and private vehicles with white number plates, working with certain ride hailing aggregators is a violation of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1989. Despite similar restrictions being enforced in other States, such operations continue unabated in Telangana. This, he stated, compromises the safety of passengers and has been undermining the livelihoods of lawful drivers.

Additionally, the TGPWU expressed concerns over the alleged exploitation of drivers. The union has called for action against the companies facilitating these violations, rather than placing the burden on the drivers themselves.

The representation also underscored the negative impact of illegal bike taxi operations on licensed auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers. These unregulated services, coupled with fluctuating fare structures have significantly reduced the volume of rides for licensed drivers. This has threatening their income stability, the Union added.

Further, the TGPWU flagged the rise of certain carpooling services which they termed as ‘unregulated’, and alleged to have been operating without proper permits. These services, the union alleged, pose significant safety risks for passengers while evading necessary regulatory oversight.

Another key issue raised by the union was the illegal entry of out-of-State vehicles operating in Telangana under aggregator platforms. These vehicles, registered in neighbouring States, continue to ignore local permits and evade taxes, thereby undermining the State’s regulatory framework.

To address these concerns, the TGPWU has advocated for the introduction of kilometre-based, uniform fares for city taxis and app-based aggregators, citing Karnataka’s successful model as an example. The union believes this would ensure fairness, transparency and provide drivers with a stable income.