Published Aug 07, 2026 | 6:37 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 07, 2026 | 6:39 PM
Gig workers. (Representational/ iStock)
Synopsis: Telangana gig workers, including cab, auto, and delivery agents organised by the TGPWU, will launch an indefinite strike on August 8 to protest shrinking earnings. Their demands include government-regulated fares, the establishment of a Welfare Board, and platform oversight to prevent unilateral pricing.
Gig workers across Telangana are set to begin an indefinite strike from Saturday, 8 August, pressing on long-standing demands to ensure sustainable earnings for drivers and delivery workers working across food delivery platforms and transport services.
The strike is expected to involve cab and auto drivers and delivery agents working for platforms such as Ola, Uber, Rapido, Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto, and Blinkit.
The protest call has been given by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) alongside the Telangana App-Based Drivers Forum (TADF) and several other unions and trade unions, including IFAT, CITU and INTUC-F. They are demanding that the government and the companies address key issues affecting their work.
Among the core demands raised by the unions are fair and fixed per-kilometre and per-minute rates for app-based transport services. They are demanding minimum fares, stricter regulation and a ban on private vehicles operating commercially.
The gig workers are also pushing for the state to notify rules under the Telangana Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration, Social Security and Welfare) Bill, and to set up a Welfare Board. The TGPW has sought minimum fares to be brought under the rules, especially in the context of rising fuel prices and reduced mileage due to the E20 fuel.
Additional demands include enforcement of Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines and removal of 10-minute delivery options.
The union leaders said that the protest was announced after repeated efforts to engage in a dialogue with the government and the respective companies have failed. This includes a 12-hour flash strike by gig workers on July 22, which reportedly saw the participation of over 3.9 lakh workers.
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
