Uber, Ola drivers threaten indefinite strike from 18 March
The drivers of cab aggregators Uber and Ola have threatened to go on an indefinite strike from the midnight of 18 March. Strike expected to be observed in Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune among other cities. "Ola and Uber had given big assurances to the drivers, but today they are unable to cover their costs," said Sanjay Naik who is organizing the strike.
Preference given to company-owned cars rather than driver-owned vehicles
Naik, a member of Maharashtra Navnirman Vahatuk Sena said, "They (drivers) have invested Rs. 5-7 lakh, and were expecting to make Rs. 1.5 lakh a month but are unable to even make half of this, owing to the mismanagement by these companies." Naik alleged these taxi-hailing companies are giving first priority to company-owned cars rather than driver-owned vehicles, causing a slump in their business.
Drivers are defaulting to repay loans
While taxi-hailing companies offered loan-guarantee letters to drivers through the Mudra scheme without any verification, they are defaulting on repayment now as their costs are not covered. In Mumbai alone, there are over 45,000 cabs on these aggregators, but due to sink in business, there has been a fall of 20% in the number of cabs running on these platforms in the city.
Uber terms strike call as a speculative one
"If our demands are not met, we will go on an indefinite strike," Naik said, adding the drivers had approached MNS leader Raj Thackeray to intervene in the matter. Other unions of Ola and Uber are also in support of the strike, Naik said. While Ola declined to comment, an Uber spokesperson said termed the strike call as a speculative.
What did the Mumbai Taximen's Union say?
"The transport department should take strict action as these taxi-hailing companies are violating permit conditions, and also encroaching on the taxi-rickshaw business. It is good they are going on strike," said Al Quadros, general secretary, Mumbai Taximen's Union.
