Overview
- The Joint Action Committee of gig and platform unions has called an indefinite strike that begins Saturday, August 8, 2026, to press demands for higher, regulated pay for drivers and delivery workers.
- Unions want a government-notified minimum base charge plus per-kilometre and per-minute fares, the immediate notification of the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Rules and constitution of a welfare board.
- Workers are also seeking enforcement against use of privately registered vehicles for commercial app work and the removal of fast-delivery features such as the 10-minute option that they say cut pay.
- The Telangana Labour Department has convened an emergency conciliation meeting with major platforms including Ola, Uber, Rapido, Porter, Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto and Blinkit and said draft state rules are in final stages of approval.
- Unions point to a July 22 flash breakdown strike that organisers say drew about 3.9 lakh participants and say rising fuel costs and lower vehicle mileage under E20 fuel have sharply reduced take-home pay, which could widen commuter and delivery disruptions if talks fail.