Given Information Technology Minister K.T. Rama Rao’s recent comments about securing the livelihoods of gig workers, the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union suggested that a levy be added per transaction in the State and these funds then be used to provide social security to those employed in this sector.
Speaking to The Hindu, Shaik Salauddin, president, Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union said, “There should be a levy charged on each transaction for those working with aggregators and apps, irrespective of whether they are working as drivers or delivery personnel or skilled workers. These funds should go towards a board that would provide social security of workers.”
Welcoming Mr Rao’s comments of a tripartite agreement, Mr Salauddin explained, “For instance, if the transaction value is ₹200, and a levy of 1% is being charged, then the ₹2 would go to the social security fund and a board which would have representation of gig and platform workers and unions would administer it. These representatives, in a consultative manner, would decide what welfare measures are best suited for workers.
