The unions, including the Indian National Trade Union Congress Federation, the Indian Labour Welfare Federation, the Centre of Indian Trade Unions, and the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU), came together to take this decision. They stated that it was aimed at ensuring fair wages for drivers engaged in both passenger transport and delivery services.

Another key demand is that the government notify the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Rules.

“We are asking for the implementation of the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2025, with government notified minimum fare and effective fare regulation. One of our longstanding demands is that the government stop the operation of private bikes, cars and three wheelers doubling as commercial passenger and goods transport through app based platforms. We are not against anybody making a living, and are only asking for better enforcement. Such vehicles should be converted to commercial registration. In such cases, the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, should be applicable,” said Shaik Salauddin, founder-president, TGPWU.

Talk to gig workers

Union leaders told The Hindu that the Transport Department and the Labour Department should work in close coordination to take stock of the situation. They emphasised the urgency of reviewing their demands. “It does not take much for both departments to talk to gig and platform workers,” they said.

They also expressed hope that the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Rules would be approved soon. Labour Department officials confirmed that the draft rules are in the final stages and that the assent of the concerned authorities is expected shortly.

The warning of a strike by gig workers and app-based drivers comes on the heels of autorickshaw drivers’ unions’ proposed strike on August 24. They have demanded that the minimum fare be increased to ₹50 and the per-kilometre fare to ₹20.