Why are Hyderabad Gig workers protesting against Urban Company's maid service

Hyderabad: A day after Urban Company introduced its 15-minute maid booking service, the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT) and the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) launched a protest against the initiative.

Shaik Salauddin, National General Secretary of IFAT and Founder President of TGPWU, condemned the service, calling it a blatant exploitation of gig and domestic workers under the pretense of convenience.

Workers have strongly opposed the model, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent by prioritizing speed over their rights and dignity.

“Gig and platform workers are not machines. Urban Company’s model treats workers as disposable, pushing them into a high-pressure, high-risk environment without considering their well-being. This approach fosters exploitation, imposes unrealistic performance expectations, and worsens job insecurity—all without offering social security or benefits,” said Shaik Salauddin in a statement.

Domestic workers, already in precarious conditions, now face further commodification under this quick-commerce model, gig workers fear.

“Urban Company has a track record of imposing harsh rating systems, excessive platform commissions, and arbitrary penalties on workers. This new model will only intensify these issues, forcing workers to meet unrealistic service speeds at the cost of their health and dignity,” he added.

Workers’ Demands:

1. Immediate Halt to the Model: Urban Company must suspend this exploitative service until fair wages, social security, and safe working conditions are ensured.

2. Government Intervention: Authorities must step in to regulate gig work and prevent it from becoming a modern form of slavery.

3. Stronger Social Security: A robust framework for domestic and gig workers must be established before such business models are allowed.

4. Dignity Over Speed: Gig and domestic workers deserve fair pay, legal protections, and safe work environments. TGPWU and IFAT will not allow exploitative practices to continue unchallenged.