App-based transport workers demand fair fare, threaten nationwide protests

Following a recent call for a nationwide “breakdown” against what they described as deepening exploitation, app-based transport workers on Saturday sought to halt services across several States, including Telangana, even as they demanded fair fares, and called for regulating aggregator platforms.

The impact in Hyderabad appeared to be partial.

Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union and the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers, president said the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025 mandate governments to notify minimum or base fares in consultation with recognised worker unions. He alleged that there has been a delay in action by the government and that this had allowed app-based companies to set fares arbitrarily. This led to operational risks and costs being burdened onto workers.

He said the breakdown was intended as a warning that drivers would no longer absorb losses arising from policy paralysis and weak enforcement of existing laws.

Among the key demands raised by the unions were the immediate notification of minimum base fares for app-based transport services in consultation with worker representatives. They also sought strict prohibition of private, non-commercial vehicles being used for commercial passenger and goods transport, or their compulsory conversion to commercial category vehicles in line with the Motor Vehicles Act and the aggregator guidelines.

The unions urged government at both the Centre and the States to begin a dialogue with worker representatives and put in place a framework that is fair, lawful and sustainable. They also warned that continued delay in taking action would lead to intensified nationwide protests in the coming days.