Gig workers’ union seeks protection over expired item orders

Union representatives of gig workers demanded that delivery workers should not be penalised or their IDs on aggregators blocked in case they refuse to collect orders of expired products.

The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union cited instances of at least two delivery aggregators where workers reported collecting expired items. They underscored concerns of delivery workers over expired items at a grocery outlet run by an aggregator at Hastinapuram.

“After raising the issue, the workers approached the Food Safety Officer, who then conducted an inspection. However, they alleged that the store management was not cooperative,” said TGPWU office-bearer Shaik Salauddin on Thursday, adding that workers filed a complaint at the LB Nagar Police Station.

“All it takes is one glance at the product. The expiry date is mentioned. TGPWU demands a fair and immediate investigation into these allegations and appropriate action if there are violations. Workers should be protected and not punished,” he said.

The union demanded that Telangana SAFE conduct State-wide inspections at grocery stores of aggregators and focus primarily on expired products or items that are close to expiry. They also demanded that a mechanism be put in place that allows workers to flag violations and measures to protect them from ID blocking or deactivation.

“A delivery worker’s livelihood cannot be switched off with the click of a button. Arbitrary rate reductions and Rider ID blocking can push entire families into financial distress. Platforms must respect workers’ rights, provide fair earnings and follow a due process,” Mr. Salauddin said.

Meanwhile, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) legislator representing Malakpet Ahmed Bin Abdullah Balala interacted with workers, sought to understand their issues, and sought to intervene.

The union has raised demands before the Labour Department, including unblocking IDs, ensure implementation of gig workers’ protection and an immediate enquiry into instances of aggregators violating guidelines.