Stung by rising costs, gig workers seek better wages from platforms

Hyderabad: The Gig and Platform workers urged the state government to review payment rates offered by food delivery and quick-commerce platforms, including Zomato, Swiggy, Zepto and Blinkit. The worker has called for fair and sustainable earnings for delivery workers amid rising operating costs and unstable incomes.

The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) appealed to Minister Vivek Venkatswamy and Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to intervene and examine the payment structures followed by these platforms.

The union said delivery workers are facing increasing financial pressure due to low payouts, rising fuel prices, vehicle maintenance expenses and fluctuating order volumes.

The union has demanded a payment system that takes into account the time, distance and expenses involved in completing each delivery. It has also called for greater transparency in the way platforms calculate delivery payments, incentives, penalties and deductions.

TGPWU Founder President Shaik Salauddin said that the delivery workers in Hyderabad have also reported a decline in daily earnings as operating costs increase.

In May 2026, workers raised the issue that their daily income had fallen from around Rs 800 to Rs 550-Rs 600 after accounting for rising fuel and other expenses. Workers also said that payments for individual orders could be as low as Rs 11 – Rs 20.

According to the union, delivery workers bear several work-related expenses themselves, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, insurance, mobile data charges and loan or EMI payments. Unlike conventional employees, gig workers’ earnings can also vary depending on order availability, incentives and changes in platform policies.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MM Farooqui

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M M Farooqui, senior correspondent with interest in writing a range of stories about Hyderabad and its Purana Sheher. An experienced journalist specializing in departments including Heritage, Transport, Municipal Corporation, Majlis among others with over six years of writing expertise. When not immersed in writing, he can be found spending time in eating Hyderabadi cuisines, Mughlai, Chinese, exploring new things and listening to songs and qawwalis. Farooqui is an accomplished writer with a passion for writing with six years of experience, he has honed his craft in various genres. Farooqui’s diverse family history and embracing cultures have enriched his writing with unique perspectives.

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