South Central 10-minute delivery at what cost? South Central on gig worker rights | Episode 56
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Jan 2, 2026 Shaikh Salahuddin, founder of the Telangana Gig And Platform Workers Union, discusses the recent strikes by gig workers, emphasizing their demands for fair pay and the harms of 10-minute delivery targets. Maitreyi Krishnan, a lawyer advocating for workers' rights, highlights the need for legal recognition of gig workers and government intervention. Dr. RK Radhakrishnan offers insights into Tamil Nadu and Kerala’s electoral politics, analyzing alliances and the influence of local narratives. Together, they unpack the complex dynamics of labor rights and regional politics.
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Strike When Demand Is Highest
- Strike on high-demand days to maximize leverage and visibility.
- Targeting peak dates pressured platforms to respond with short-term incentives.
Platforms Used Ads And Threats During Strike
- Shaikh Salahuddin described platforms deploying rapid incentives and PR to undermine strikes.
- He recounted managers threatening ID blocks and using ads and celebrity posts to lure workers back.
Ten-Minute Targets Harm Workers
- Ten-minute delivery targets create severe safety and dignity harms for delivery workers.
- Workers link these targets to accidents, stress, arbitrary penalties and poor working conditions.
