Ola and Uber drivers have decided to go on an indefinite strike from today over low income. The strike was originally called by the transport wing of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena in Mumbai. But drivers in Hyderabad, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune and other big cities will also be part of this protest.
The organizers of the strike announced the drivers would remain off the roads until their demands are met. Unfortunately, the last strike of this kind fizzled out after the drivers realized their losses of being on strike.
Auto drivers in these cities will take advantage of the strike and demand higher rates. Hyderabad and Bengaluru auto drivers are known to demand double and sometimes triple the rate during app transport strikes.
Maharashtra Navnirman Vahatuk Sena’s Sanjay Naik said, “Ola and Uber had given big assurances to the drivers, but today they are unable to cover their costs. They have invested Rs. 5-7 lakh and were expecting to make Rs. 1.5 lakh a month. But drivers are unable to make even half of this because of the mismanagement by these companies.”
Naik also stated these taxi companies were prioritizing company owned cars over driver owned vehicles. This is causing huge losses for the drivers using their own vehicles.
The Mumbai Police anticipate violence and issued Section 149 of CrPC related to unlawful assembly. Andheri Police Station’s Senior Inspector Pandit Thorat said, “Notices of Section 149 of CrPC have been issued to Sanjay Naik, President, Arif Shaikh and Nitin Nandgaokar of the Maharashtra Navnirman Vahatuk Sena as preventive action. If they violate any orders, they are liable to be prosecuted.”
The two cab companies have stayed quiet as their drivers plan to stage an indefinite strike. However, an Ola spokesperson said the Mumbai Police assured safety to the drivers who decide not to be part of the strike.
On the other hand, Sanjay Naik said he requests everyone to stick to the strike and those who do not will be handled appropriately.
