Telangana gig and platform workers push for stronger welfare rights

Hyderabad: Seeking better pay structures, clearer worker classifications like 'platform worker', 'primary employer', and stronger protections for vulnerable workers, especially women, are some of the suggestions made by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union to improve the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers (Registration, Social Security and Welfare) Act, 2025.

The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union has proposed significant amendments to the state's upcoming Gig and Platform Workers (Registration, Social Security and Welfare) Act, 2025, prescribing sector-specific minimum remuneration, removal of a separate definition for the term “platform worker," taking the Code on Social Security (2020) into consideration, removal of Government of India representation, Department of Commercial Taxes representative, appointing the Commissioner of Labour as the CEO of the Board, and specifying the redressal mechanism for female gig and platform workers.

The union's recommendations, submitted to the Minister of Labour, Employment, Training and Factories, Mines and Geology Vivek Venkataswamy, call for sector-specific minimum remuneration rates that account for actual work-related expenses. "Current earnings often fall below minimum wage levels after deducting costs like fuel, mobile data, and platform fees," explained Shaik Salauddin, Founder President of Telangana Gig and Platform workers union(TGPWU).

Among key demands is the removal of ambiguous terms like platform worker and primary employer from the legislation. "These vague definitions allow companies to avoid responsibilities," the union stated, arguing for simplified language that clearly holds aggregators accountable.

The proposals also address governance concerns, suggesting removing representatives from the Government of India and the Commercial Taxes Department from the welfare board to improve efficiency. Instead, they recommend making the Labour Commissioner the board's CEO while ensuring worker representation through unions when needed.

The union has called for clear protections for women workers. This includes coverage under sexual harassment laws and special grievance processes. They've also asked for compensation plans for work-related injuries or deaths. Payouts would depend on age, disability level, and loss of income.

The recommendations refer to the Central government's Code on Social Security (2020) for help with benefit structures. Gig economy workers are growing rapidly in Hyderabad's tech areas. These proposed changes might set important examples for India's changing labor scene.

On this occasion, the Minister responded on the issues of gig and platform workers like financial security, health insurance, employment rights, and other issues. "The role of gig workers has become important in modern times. The government is exploring legal and policy ways to provide social security to them," the Minister said.

“TGPWU welcomes the government's commitment, but we made it clear in today’s meeting—policies alone are not enough. We need enforceable rights, fair pay structures, and strong worker representation at every stage,” said Shaik Salauddin after the meeting.