Hyderabad: Uber driver loses life on duty; TGPWU demands accountability from Govt
Hyderabad: An Uber driver tragically lost his life while on duty in Hyderabad. The deceased has been identified as G. Shyam Sunder, an Uber bike taxi driver. The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) expressed profound grief over this on-duty death and is calling for immediate action. This incident highlights not only the lack of safety and protections for gig workers but also raises serious concerns about the illegal operation of bike taxi services by aggregator companies such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido in Telangana.
TGPWU founder Shaik Salauddin questioned, “Despite bike taxis being illegal in the state, platforms like Uber, Ola, and Rapido continue to operate without accountability, while the Telangana Transport Department remains inactive in enforcing the law. Such negligence puts drivers and customers at grave risk.”
The TGPWU is demanding the following actions:
- Workmen's Compensation Act: Immediate support for the victim’s family under this act.
- Financial Contribution from Uber: Compensation following the Workmen's Compensation Act.
- Insurance Release: Immediate release of Rs. 5 lakh insurance promised by the government for gig workers.
- Accountability: The government and aggregator companies (Ola, Uber, Rapido) must act promptly to compensate and support the family.
- Enforcement of Transport Laws: Strict enforcement of transport laws to end illegal bike taxi operations and ensure accountability from all aggregator platforms.
Shaik Salauddin stated, "The illegal operations of bike taxis by companies like Ola, Uber, and Rapido expose both drivers and customers to risks. It is unacceptable that these companies operate in violation of transport rules while workers are left vulnerable. We demand immediate action from the government and these platforms to take responsibility for this tragedy and prevent further incidents."
Deeply saddened by the on-duty death of Uber bike taxi driver G Shyam Sunder. @TGPWU demands:
1️⃣ @Uber’s contribution to compensation under the Workmen Compensation Act.
2️⃣ ₹5L govt insurance.Govt & Uber must act immediately!
Copy: @revanth_anumula @TelanganaCMO @TelanganaCOL pic.twitter.com/VbMMV0H1NC
— Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (@TGPWU) October 23, 2024
