Hyderabad: The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU), an independent worker-led foundation, has demanded the online driver hire platforms and the government to better the working conditions for drivers.
The TGPWU’s “Evaluation and Impact Report” stated that the union requested openness and responsibility in algorithmic management and platform operations from digital platforms, particularly with regard to arbitrary rate, reward, and penalty decisions. It further required the companies to stop the demoralizing working conditions of the contractors as well as the fast processes of compensation of accidents and their commitment to employee’s safety.
The government union urged the Telangana government to pass a law in the same vein as the Rajasthan Platform-based Gig Workers Act, 2023, which ensures that gig workers and those on platforms get social security and a framework for companies to operate in.
The ‘IFAT’s Supreme Court petition’ and the implementation of the Motor and Vehicle Aggregator (MVA) Rules (2020) were the main aspects of the video. The union sought for legislations to be enacted that would promote safety and better working conditions for workers and the government to establish a tripartite committee that has representation from the employers, digital platforms and the government.
TGPWU Activities and Impact Report
It is worth noting that, over the years, the TGPWU has gained critical benefits and assistance for workers through its advocacy efforts, and the study identifies some major achievements.
- The government of Telangana will subsidize the costs of converting existing diesel vehicles to electric vehicles and increase the number of charging stations in Telangana.
- The Congress promised to pass a law in Telangana for the welfare of gig and platform workers, which will constitute a welfare board and ensure social security and fair wages for gig and platform workers.
- Obtained a loan moratorium and finance restructuring for workers through the Ministry of Micro, small, and Medium Enterprises.
- Obtained waiver of tax for large commercial vehicles during the COVID-19 lockdown by petitions to the transport department at the government of Telangana.
- Advocated for the installation of digital timers at traffic signals and educating the general public to turn off their vehicles to control pollution and reduce climate change.
- Secured free parking, a canteen, and washroom facilities for more than 5,000 drivers working at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.
- Negotiated improved terms of employment by ensuring cab aggregators, including Ola and Uber, share drop locations with drivers while accepting rides and settling driver payments within 24 hours.
