Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Gig Workers Seek Whistleblower Protections After Expired Goods Allegations
Some delivery workers in Hyderabad say that expired food was included in customer orders.
They say they told a food safety officer about the problem.
The workers’ union says an officer visited the store, but workers allege that bouncers got in the way.
The workers also filed a complaint with the police.
Their union wants food safety checks at delivery companies, supermarkets, and warehouses across Telangana.
It also wants workers to be able to report unsafe food without fear of losing their accounts.
Separately, some BigBasket workers protested lower pay rates and blocked work IDs.
They want their earlier rates restored and clearer rules before changes are made.
Swiggy Instamart delivery workers in Hastinapuram alleged that orders contained expired products and alerted a Food Safety Officer.
The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union said an officer inspected the facility on Thursday; workers alleged bouncers obstructed the inspection and kept media representatives out.
Workers filed a complaint at LB Nagar Police Station, and the union called for an impartial investigation and a state-wide inspection drive.
The union asked TG SAFE to inspect quick-commerce operators, supermarkets, warehouses, and dark stores, including for stock rotation and expired-product handling.
Separately, BigBasket workers in Malakpet and P&T Colony protested reduced delivery payouts and blocked Rider IDs, demanding restored rates and fair procedures.
- Who
- Delivery workers, the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union, and food safety authorities; the allegations concern Swiggy Instamart and separate protests involve BigBasket workers.
- What
- Workers reported alleged expired products and called for inspections and whistleblower protections; other workers protested payout reductions and Rider ID blockings.
- When
- The Food Safety Officer reportedly visited on Thursday; no date is specified for the other events.
- Where
- Hastinapuram, Malakpet, and P&T Colony in Hyderabad, Telangana; the union called for inspections across Telangana.
- Why
- Workers said they wanted unsafe food addressed without punishing those who report it, and sought fair delivery payouts and procedures for account blocking.
- Union
- Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU)
- Reported food-safety location
- Swiggy Instamart facility in Hastinapuram
- Police complaint
- LB Nagar Police Station
- Inspection request
- A state-wide drive covering quick-commerce platforms, supermarkets, distribution warehouses, and dark stores
- Operators named
- BigBasket, Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy Instamart, JioMart, and Amazon Fresh
- Separate worker protest locations
- Malakpet and P&T Colony
- BigBasket workers' demands
- Restore previous rate cards, make fair payouts, unblock affected Rider IDs, provide advance notice of changes, and investigate management practices