Telangana: Govt Intervention Averts Gig Workers’ Strike
The labour department convened a meeting with aggregator companies and workers’ unions at the Secretariat on Friday evening: Reports
HYDERABAD: Just hours before the indefinite strike called by gig and platform workers, state government intervention led to its withdrawal. Around four lakh workers were expected to join the strike on Saturday, which would have disrupted food and grocery delivery and commuting services in Hyderabad.
The labour department convened a meeting with aggregator companies and workers’ unions at the Secretariat on Friday evening. Labour minister Dr G. Vivek Venkatswamy chaired the discussions.
Union representatives explained their hardships and demands relating to welfare and social security. The Minister assured them of the government’s commitment to resolving these issues. Following the positive response, workers withdrew the strike.
Dr Venkatswamy said the government had enacted the Gig Workers’ Welfare Act to protect rights and ensure social security. He added that guidelines for its implementation were being framed and would be brought into effect soon.
Additional commissioner, labour, Gangadhar said the Bill had been passed and guidelines were pending, with the transport department tasked with framing aggregator rules.
Union representatives expressed satisfaction with the minister’s response and optimism that the special law for gig workers would be implemented effectively to provide a permanent solution.