Hyderabad hero: Meet Shaik Salauddin, cab driver fighting for gig and platform workers' rights

Hyderabad: Meet Shaik Salauddin, a 38-year-old cab driver from Hyderabad who is at the forefront of a movement fighting for the rights of gig workers across India. While the gig and platform workers' economy continue to grow, many workers still lack fundamental rights and legal protections. Recognising this critical gap early on, Salauddin has dedicated himself to rallying support and driving change for these workers.

Salauddin is redefining the concept of trade unions. His organisation is politically neutral, focusing instead on empowering members to navigate power structures and advocate for their rights.

Speaking with the Hyderabad Mail, Salauddin shared his journey, which began before the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. "I started my career as a cab driver with an Ambassador vehicle. I participated in the movement for the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, serving as an executive member of the Andhra Pradesh Four-Wheeler Drivers Association," he explained.

The arrival of ride-hailing companies like Ola and Uber in 2013 dramatically altered the landscape for drivers in Hyderabad. Salauddin noted that the influx of new drivers led to fierce competition and the withdrawal of incentives, leaving many drivers disillusioned. "Drivers began approaching me with their grievances, which led me to purchase an Indica in 2014 and experience the challenges firsthand," he said.

In response, he established the Telangana State Taxi and Drivers Joint Action Committee to advocate for Ola and Uber drivers' rights. A notable moment in his activism was an indefinite strike that mobilised 60,000 cab drivers, which caught the attention of then-Governor Tamilisai Soundarajan. Salauddin and his fellow drivers met with her to discuss their demands, leading to productive negotiations.

After solidifying his position in Telangana, Salauddin expanded his focus to include gig workers in other states. He formed Indian Federation of App-based Transport Workers (IFAT), which now represents workers from 14 states. His advocacy played a significant role in the implementation of the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2020 across multiple cities, although Telangana still awaits full compliance.

Salauddin's activism garnered national attention when he met Rahul Gandhi during the Bharat Jodo Yatra. "I explained the challenges faced by gig platform workers, and he promised to support our cause when in power," he said.

Despite the progress made, Salauddin recognizes the ongoing challenges in organizing gig workers. "These workers are often on the move, making it difficult to gather them in one place. That's why I founded the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union, the first of its kind in India, to unite various gig workers under one umbrella," he said.

This includes cab drivers, freelancers, beauticians, and workers for companies like Amazon and Flipkart, as well as those involved with urban apps.

He has faced numerous challenges in this effort, engaging with many individuals to advocate for the rights of gig and platform workers. Notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Salauddin organized a 28-day protest for Swiggy workers, highlighting their struggles and needs.

Since launching this movement, he has driven significant changes. Previously, some cab companies paid their drivers only weekly, but he fought for reforms that now ensure Ola and Uber drivers receive their payments at the end of each day.

Salauddin's commitment extends beyond local borders; he has shared his experiences and advocacy strategies with workers in countries such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan. "My mission is clear: to secure rights, welfare boards, social security, and minimum wages for gig workers," he affirmed.

With aspirations for the future, Salauddin envisions a landscape where gig workers enjoy equal rights and protections. "In the next 10 to 20 years, I hope to see comprehensive laws for gig platform workers, ensuring data transparency and fair treatment," he said. His grassroots campaigns have received widespread support, highlighting the growing recognition of gig workers' struggles.

Shaik Salauddin was the first to file a PIL in the Supreme Court against Ola, Uber, Swiggy, and Zomato, demanding social security for gig and Platform workers. His efforts have driven key reforms, including the Rajasthan Gig Workers' Bill 2023, and inspired similar initiatives in Karnataka, Kerala, Jharkhand, and Bihar. As a leader of TGPWU and IFAT, Salauddin continues to champion gig and platform workers' rights across India.