Representatives of the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) reiterated the union’s demand to the Telangana government to draft a robust legislation for gig and platform workers. The union, which has played a key role in the formulation of a gig and platform workers’ welfare law in Rajasthan, and in draft bills in Karnataka and Jharkhand, recommended exploring cess-financing models for a welfare board, inspired by frameworks like the Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Cess Act, 1996, and the Maharashtra Mathadi, Hamal and Other Manual Workers Act, 1969. The union representatives made raised this issue in a consultative meeting of all stakeholders on November 28, 2024, chaired by Principal Secretary Sri Sanjay Kumar, IAS, at the Department of Labour, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Telangana Secretariat. The meeting aimed to discuss the formulation of a policy framework for gig and platform workers in Telangana.

During the discussions, TGPWU further presented the following recommendations to address the critical issues faced by gig and platform workers:

1. Fair Wages and Transparent Algorithms: Highlighting the opaque nature of algorithmically driven compensation, TGPWU demanded the constitution of a wage board to set minimum wages for gig and platform workers across sectors. This process should be tripartite, involving unions, aggregators, and the state government, ensuring fair pay, overtime compensation, and protection against unfair practices like arbitrary ID deactivations.

2. Strengthening Social Security Measures: The union commended the government’s efforts to provide social security benefits, such as accidental death insurance and coverage under the Aarogyasri scheme, while highlighting the need for universal accessibility. TGPWU strongly advocated for the establishment of a dedicated welfare board to oversee gig and platform workers’ registration and manage the administration of social security schemes. The board should include representatives from workers’ unions and engage in regular tripartite consultations.

TGPWU remains steadfast in advocating for the rights of gig and platform workers and will continue to work closely with the government and stakeholders to ensure fair wages, social security benefits, dignified working conditions, grievance redress mechanisms, and a comprehensive law for all gig and platform workers.

Shaik Salauddin,

Founder- President, Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU)