Latest news with #TelanganaGigandPlatformWorkersUnion
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Zepto workers strike in Hyderabad over payout cuts, labour rights violations
Delivery workers at quick commerce platform Zepto have gone on an indefinite strike in Hyderabad, with the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) alleging violations of labour rights and demanding the restoration of earlier payout rates, along with uniform earnings across stores. The union claimed that per-delivery earnings have been slashed, with current rates ranging between Rs 10–15 per order. 'There is no guaranteed minimum income despite long working hours,' it said. In a letter to the Telangana labour department, the union urged the government to inspect Zepto's dark store operations and ensure the company complies with minimum wage laws and offers legal protections to its gig workers. The TGPWU said the strike, now in its fourth day, is ongoing across multiple Zepto dark stores in the city. The union also alleged that Zepto's management has so far not initiated any dialogue or responded to the workers' demands. ' Delivery partners face arbitrary fines, penalties based on opaque ratings, and sudden account suspensions—with no clear redressal mechanism or transparency,' the union added. Email queries sent to Zepto remained unanswered at the time of publication. Last month, industry associations including the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), the All India Mobile Retailers Association (AIMRA), and the Organised Retailers Association (ORA) raised concerns about unregulated practices in ecommerce and quick commerce. Discover the stories of your interest Blockchain 5 Stories Cyber-safety 7 Stories Fintech 9 Stories E-comm 9 Stories ML 8 Stories Edtech 6 Stories These included predatory pricing, deep discounting, and inventory-led models by platforms claiming to be marketplaces, all of which are seen as violations of FDI norms. The associations passed a resolution calling for: Stricter implementation of FDI and ecommerce policies. A ban on inventory-driven models by marketplace platforms. Formation of an independent regulatory body to oversee digital commerce.
The Hindu
20-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Gig workers' union seek more protections, greater accountability from aggregators
The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) called for more safeguards for workers, including a fixed minimum payment and greater accountability from aggregators and platform companies, and sought inclusion of specific recommendations in the draft Bill for gig workers. The State government had released the draft Telangana Gig and Platform Workers (Registration, Social Security, and Welfare) Bill, 2025. The union raised concerns over the lack of transparency in algorithmic systems that determine key aspects such as ride allocations and fare structures for workers. 'While we are glad that the Bill has been ciruculated, we are particularly concerned about the algorithms used to determine rides, payouts, and other aspects of work. A vast majority of workers do not understand how these systems operate,' TGPWU office-bearer Shaik Salauddin said. 'An important aspect that we are seeking is more clarity and accountability on the part of aggregators. We also want the minimum remuneration to be included. This should take into account waiting time, fuel costs, which have escalated over a period of time, and distance,' he said. The union also sought mandatory registration of all workers at the onboarding stage, and transparency in algorithmic systems. The unions have called for removal of the expression 'primary employer', arguing that it creates ambiguity, blurs the difference between it and the aggregator. Protecting women workers from sexual harassment is another significant issue that has been sought. The TGPWU recommended that the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Act be integrated into the draft Bill. The Union stated that the draft Bill in its current form makes it unclear whether workers would be protected from sexual harassment. Mr. Salauddin said that their suggestions have received backing from Hyderabad parliamentarian Asaduddin Owaisi, who is now a member of a parliamentary delegation that will travel abroad to present to the international community India's fight against terrorism. In a letter addressed to the Labour Department, Mr. Owaisi endorsed the workers' recommendations, noting that the they would meaningfully contribute to strengthening the rights, welfare, and social security of gig and platform workers in the Telangana. Also recommended are mechanisms for dispute redressal, including provisions for appeals before a State-notified officer.
