The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union (TGPWU) has formally submitted a representation to Additional Labour Commissioner E. Gangadhar, urging immediate intervention to address ongoing labour rights violations by Zepto management across Hyderabad.
Delivery workers affiliated with Zepto have been on an indefinite strike for the past five days, with major protest locations including Ramanthapur, Boduppal, and other dark stores in the city. The workers, represented by TGPWU, are demanding fair pay, social security, reasonable working hours, and basic dignity at work. Despite repeated requests, Zepto management has failed to engage in dialogue or address the genuine demands of its workforce.
Shaik Salauddin, Founder President of TGPWU, emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating, “We are fighting not just for wages, but for our identity and dignity. The government must ensure accountability from app-based companies like Zepto.” He called for a tripartite meeting involving the Labour Department, Zepto management, and union representatives to resolve the deadlock and restore justice to hundreds of affected delivery partners.
Meanwhile, a complaint was filed against Zepto in Delhi earlier this week, alleging that the company made misleading promises to workers about pay, food, and accommodation. The complaint was filed at the Delhi Labour Dept on behalf of 50 workers working at a store in Kalkaji Industrial Area on May 19.
The complaint, filed on behalf of 50 workers at a store in Kalkaji Industrial Area, claims that Zepto recruited workers from rural areas with promises of ₹30,000 per month, free food, and accommodation for 42 days.
However, upon arrival, workers allege that their joining bonuses were taken by the vendor, and their weekly payments were arbitrarily reduced by up to 50%. The promised accommodation is also alleged to be substandard, with workers being forced to live in overcrowded conditions.
Zepto has stated that while it provides the technology and guidelines, day-to-day operations and vendor oversight are handled locally by store management. The company has claimed that the issue appears to be a local one and is currently investigating the complaint.
The TGPWU’s representation to the Labour Commissioner underscores the growing concerns over the treatment of gig workers in Telangana. With over 4.2 lakh gig workers in the state, the union has been advocating for legislation to protect their rights and welfare.
