Hyderabad: TRS chief Kalvakuntla Kavitha demanded an immediate gig worker fare hike and government intervention over the rates set by app-based aggregator companies.
In a video released on Wednesday, Kavitha accused aggregators of exploiting gig workers, auto drivers and cab drivers. She named Swiggy, Zomato, Ola, Uber and Rapido among the platforms employing or engaging lakhs of workers.
Kavitha said drivers and delivery workers struggled to support their families despite working throughout the day. She alleged that the government had ignored their demand for higher rates for the past three years.
Gig worker fare hike needed to protect earnings
Kavitha alleged that aggregator companies deducted commissions and controlled fares unfairly. As a result, she said drivers and delivery workers faced severe financial losses.
She demanded that the state government immediately hold talks with aggregator companies. The discussions should secure higher rates for gig workers, cab drivers and other platform-based workers, she said.
According to Kavitha, the government must stand with gig workers, auto drivers and cab drivers. She accused aggregators of placing sustained pressure on workers through their pricing systems.
Moreover, she said workers had repeatedly approached the government over the past three years. However, she alleged that officials had failed to address their concerns.
Gig worker fare hike demand gains protest support
Kavitha said gig workers had planned a work stoppage until Wednesday afternoon. She urged the government to intervene before workers had to launch further protests.
The TRS chief warned that continued inaction would force gig workers and drivers to intensify their agitation. Therefore, she asked the government to prevent such a situation through timely negotiations.
She also announced TRS support for the gig workers’ movement. Kavitha said the party would stand with delivery workers, auto drivers and cab drivers in their campaign for better earnings.
The gig worker fare hike demand focused on increasing platform rates and reducing the financial pressure caused by commission deductions. Kavitha said government intervention remained necessary to ensure fair earnings for workers linked to aggregator platforms.