Mumbai cab strike
Thousands of drivers of Ola, Uber and Rapido in Mumbai have started an indefinite strike to demand less and better facilities. Due to rising fuel prices and commission of app companies, the income of drivers has been reduced greatly. This is the reason why they have chosen the path of strike. Due to this sudden strike, traveling for the common people in Mumbai has become very difficult.
The main demands of the drivers are that the same fare as black-yellow taxis, ban on bike taxis, and a strong welfare board should be formed. Drivers are also angry with the government not making a clear policy yet. Drivers clearly say that due to rising fuel prices, nothing is surviving them.
Thousands of passengers across Mumbai are struggling with long wait and not getting cabs after closing the services on July 15 by a group of drivers associated with Uber, Ola and Rapido.
How did this strike begin?
Drivers working on these travel apps have grown dissatisfaction with low earnings. He said that areas like Airport Zone, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Andheri and South Mumbai are being able to earn less. Drivers allege that after adding Agriculture Commission and fuel expenses, their income is only Rs 8 to 12 per kilometer. Drivers said that it is not durable, given the earnings, especially the increasing expenses of fuel and maintenance.
What are the main demands of drivers?
The strike is being led by several institutions including Maharashtra Gig Kamgar Manch, Maharashtra State National Workers Association and Indian Gig Workers Front. Drivers demand that the cab rent be equal to black-yellow taxis. Along with this, a welfare board should be formed for the benefit of drivers.
Drivers have also expressed concern over the discount given by the platform, they say that the cost of these discounts is often cut off from their earnings. They want the platform to bear it instead of putting the burden on the drivers.
Guidelines not released even after announcement
The aggregators policy in Maharashtra was announced a year ago. However, it has not been implemented so far. In this, the draft of many guidelines including rent, licensing is ready, but the final approval has not been given yet. This is the reason that there has been a dispute about app based platform in drivers.