Telangana Gig Workers Allege Financial Crisis as Fuel Prices Rise, Demand Action Against Ola, Uber, Swiggy and Others
Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union alleged that rising fuel prices are pushing Ola, Uber, Swiggy and delivery workers into financial crisis due to stagnant earnings.
Hyderabad: The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) has alleged that rising fuel prices are pushing gig and platform workers into severe financial crisis, while companies like Ola, Uber, Rapido, Amazon, Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit and Zepto have not increased charges or payouts for drivers and delivery workers despite the continuous hike in petrol and diesel prices.
Table of Contents
According to the union, thousands of cab drivers, auto drivers and delivery workers are facing intense financial pressure due to rising fuel costs and stagnant earnings.
TGPWU Alleges Fuel Price Hike Increasing Burden on Workers
The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union stated that the increase in fuel prices has severely affected the daily income and survival of gig workers across Telangana.
TGPWU founder Shaik Salauddin said drivers are being forced to stand in long queues at petrol pumps due to rising fuel prices, while their income has not increased significantly.
He alleged that despite the growing burden on workers, platform companies have not revised driver fares or delivery charges.
Gig Workers Forced to Work in Heat and Traffic
In its statement, the union said gig workers do not have “work from home” facilities unlike IT employees.
The union stated that drivers and delivery workers spend long hours on roads in extreme heat and traffic while waiting for rides and orders, even as fuel prices continue to rise daily.
According to the union, growing expenses related to vehicle EMIs, maintenance costs, household needs and children’s education are placing additional financial burden on workers.
Union Says Electric Vehicles Not a Practical Solution
Responding to suggestions about shifting to electric vehicles (EVs), the union said EVs are currently not a practical solution for gig workers.
The union alleged that both the State and Central governments have failed to provide adequate subsidies for electric vehicles.
It also stated that the lack of charging stations is preventing workers from switching to EVs.
TGPWU Demands Immediate Government and Company Intervention
The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union demanded immediate intervention from the government and the concerned companies.
The union said gig and platform workers provide essential daily services to the public, but rising inflation and increasing fuel prices have badly affected their earnings.
The statement warned that if immediate measures are not taken, thousands of families could face even greater financial difficulties.
The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union has accused companies including Ola, Uber, Rapido, Amazon, Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit and Zepto of not increasing driver and delivery worker payouts despite rising petrol and diesel prices. TGPWU founder Shaik Salauddin said gig workers are facing severe financial stress due to increasing fuel costs, vehicle expenses and stagnant earnings. The union has demanded urgent intervention from the government and platform companies to protect thousands of affected workers and their families.
Follow MunsifNews24x7 for latest updates.
