The coordinated action, although short, is intended to be strategic. Peak-hour disruptions might cause long delays and inflated pricing on platforms like Uber, Ola, Swiggy, and Zomato.
Published Jul 09, 2025 | 12:48 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 09, 2025 | 12:48 PM
Gig workers. (Representational/ iStock)
Synopsis: Thousands of gig workers in Hyderabad will join a nationwide two-hour flash strike on 9 July, demanding a national gig workers’ law, minimum wages, and repeal of the 2019 Motor Vehicles Act. The protest, led by IFAT and TGPWU, will disrupt app-based services. A mass gathering is planned at Dharna Chowk, highlighting both national and Telangana-specific concerns.
App-based services, from food deliveries to ride-hailing, across Hyderabad are set to come to a halt for two hours— 11 AM to 1 PM, on Wednesday, 9 July, as thousands of gig and platform workers will go on a flash strike as part of a nationwide protest.
“This is not just a local strike, but a national event” said Shaik Salauddin, general secretary of the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT) and founder president of the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU).
“This is something trade unions nationwide are taking up. They each have their demands. However, we, the IFAT, are demanding a national gig workers’ law, guidelines for aggregators, and a guarantee for a minimum wage,” he told South First.
The coordinated action, although short, is intended to be strategic. Peak-hour disruptions might cause long delays and inflated pricing on platforms like Uber, Ola, Swiggy, and Zomato. Some users may be unable to book cabs or order food altogether.
“We are also calling for a repeal of the 2019 Motor Vehicles Act and amendments in the Motor Vehicles Aggregator Guidelines,” Salauddin added, highlighting broader regulatory concerns beyond just pay.
Flash strikes were held in different states at different times. “Workers would undertake a flash strike for two hours everywhere, albeit not at the same time,” he said.
Explaining the Telangana-specific timing, Salauddin noted, “In Telangana, we intend to have this strike take place between 11 AM and 1 PM, given various factors like surges and supply and demand.”
The strike will culminate with a mass gathering at Dharna Chowk around 2 PM, where gig workers and trade unionists will come together to reinforce their demands. While the national agenda will be in focus, local concerns are also on the table.
“While our national demands stand, we also have some local demands. Telangana’s Gig Worker Policy is almost ready. However, it does not address one major aspect—that of minimum wages. We demand that this also be included in the policy,” Salauddin urged.
Notably, Labour Minister G Vivek also assured that the Congress would push for minimum wages for gig workers.
“At least 40,000 people are expected to take part in this,” Salauddin said. “However, the actual number is likely to be much higher. While it will mostly be gig workers, you can also expect other trade union members to take part,” he asserted.
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
