On-demand logistics platform Porter has come under fire once again, this time by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) over what it calls “deteriorating and exploitative” working conditions faced by drivers working with the firm.
The union, which represents thousands of app-based drivers, delivery personnel, and home service workers, has sought the urgent intervention of Labour Minister G. Vivek Venkatawamy to improve working conditions and the payment structure for drivers under the Porter app.
In a letter to the labour minister, a copy of which has been reviewed by MediaNama, TGPWU said that repeated complaints to the company had gone unresolved, leaving drivers in severe financial and mental stress.
What Telangana Gig Workers Are Saying
The union stated that the steep drop in trip payouts recently, coupled with high fuel costs, has put extreme financial strain on drivers, and sought the implementation of a per-kilometer rate. Drivers have also demanded the introduction of mandatory cancellation charges if customers abort trips.
Additionally, TGPWU asked Porter to set up a grievance redressal mechanism. The union claimed that several drivers’ accounts were being “unfairly” suspended without proper inquiry. It wants the company to give drivers notice, evidence, and a chance to respond.
Furthermore, the union argued that drivers’ take-home pay has significantly declined due to rising fuel costs. In light of this, it has asked Porter to implement a fuel cost adjustment, similar to other logistics platforms such as Delhivery, while also ensuring quick resolution of toll charges through the app.
The union also claimed that drivers often wait at pick-up locations for long periods without any compensation. It has sought the introduction of waiting charges, which should be automatically added to the trip after five minutes.
Alleging that many drivers have been subjected to harassment, misbehaviour, and unsafe situations, the gig workers’ body has asked the logistics startup to verify customer accounts and allow drivers to report grievances without fear of retaliation.
The Precarity of Gig Workers
The allegations against Porter reflect a broader trend in the gig economy, where delivery partners, app-based drivers, and home services personnel working for platforms like Zomato, Swiggy, Zepto, Blinkit, Ola, Uber, and Urban Company increasingly face challenges such as pressure for speed and efficiency, customer harassment, and hazardous working conditions.
This issue was also raised by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Raghav Chadha in the Rajya Sabha on Friday, with the MP seeking a complete ban on 10-minute delivery services, likening the practice to “cruelty”.
“I want to tell you that these people are not robots. They are also someone’s father, husband, brother, or son. The House should think about them, and the cruelty of this 10-minute delivery should end,” he…
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