Telangana gig workers plan city strike to demand welfare benefits

Gig and platform workers have called for a strike in Hyderabad on November 14 to demand social security, workers' rights, and welfare measures, according to the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers' Union.

Rally Invites

Telangana Gig and Platform Workers' Union office-bearer Shaik Salauddin said on Thursday that Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has been invited to join the rally. The union extended gratitude to him for his advocacy and action for the welfare of gig and platform workers, especially against the backdrop of the 2023 Bharat Jodo Yatra.

Legal Framework

The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Act 2026 provides a vital legal framework for worker rights, centered on mandatory registration, social security benefits, a dedicated welfare board, and an effective grievance redressal mechanism. The state government has formulated the rules for implementing the Act, initiating steps to constitute the Welfare Board and launching a dedicated app to register workers and resolve grievances, Mr. Salauddin added.

Context

Gig and platform workers often face challenges like irregular income and a lack of formal safety nets. Labor unions frequently use strikes and legislative advocacy to push for better legal protections and welfare benefits.