Shaik Salauddin Fights for Gig Workers’ Rights in Telangana
In Hyderabad, gig workers face many challenges, including low wages and job insecurity. Shaik Salauddin, the founder and State President of the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union (TGPWU), has become a strong advocate for their rights. He has worked hard to raise awareness about fair wages, social security, and worker welfare.
Recently, his efforts were recognized by AICC Telangana Incharge Meenakshi Natarajan at a meeting of the National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM) on March 4. She emphasized the need for a nationwide movement to address the struggles of gig workers and praised Salauddin’s leadership in this fight.
The movement gained further momentum when Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy instructed the Labour Department to study the conditions of gig workers. In a high-level meeting on March 1, the government committed to examining social security, fair wages, and welfare policies. This marks the first major initiative by the Congress-led government to support gig workers.
During the state elections, the Congress party promised a special welfare law for gig workers under the ‘Abhayahastham’ scheme. This proposal includes the creation of a Gig Workers Welfare Board, fair wages, and social security benefits like insurance. Telangana has over 4.2 lakh gig workers, including drivers, delivery personnel, and home-based workers, making this initiative very important. However, despite multiple stakeholder meetings, workers are still waiting for the bill to be introduced in the Assembly.
Salauddin, who previously founded the Telangana Four Wheeler Drivers’ Association, has long supported gig workers, especially those working for Ola and Uber. He has urged the Telangana government to follow Rajasthan’s example by implementing a law similar to the Rajasthan Platform-based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill, 2023, which provides social protection through a dedicated welfare board.
The Centre for Good Governance (CGG) has already submitted a detailed report highlighting key challenges and policy recommendations for gig workers. Salauddin believes the Telangana government should act quickly based on these findings instead of delaying reforms. “On behalf of TGPWU, I have requested CM Revanth Reddy to fast-track the enactment of a law and the formation of a welfare board for gig and platform workers,” he said.
As the fight for gig workers’ rights continues, Shaik Salauddin remains a leading voice in the movement. His dedication is setting an example for the entire country, bringing hope for a future where fair wages and social security are not just dreams but guaranteed rights.
