Mumbai: Ola and Uber drivers are planning a silent protest from November 19 to press for their demands, which, according to union officials, have not been fulfilled. The drivers had gone on an indefinite strike on October 22, which they had called off on November 2. The unions had called off the strike on a condition that their demands be met by November 15.
The drivers’ demands include fare hike, waiting charges, removal of the names of drivers from the blacklist. The union has said, if their talks with the state government fail, then they will ask drivers to take their vehicles off the road from the midnight of November 17-18 and launch a silent protest from November 19.
“We met with Uber and Ola authorities on November 15. Over the next few days, depending on whether the administration accepts our demands or not, we will decide whether or not to protest outside Mantralaya,” said Sunil Borkar, secretary, Maharashtra Rajya Rashtriya Kamgar Sangh, a union.
Sachin Ahir, NCP leader, said the government has made false promises, as they have not received any proposal from Ola-Uber representatives. “We will wait for two more days. If no response is forthcoming, the cab drivers, with their families, will march to Vidhan Bhavan. We will urge the transport minister, Diwakar Raote and Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis to look into the matter,” said Ahir.
“According to my sources, Ola and Uber representatives have sent mails to the state government. It means the state government is supporting the representatives.”An Uber spokesperson, said, “Given the impact of rising fuel prices to their net earnings, independent driver partners on the Uber platform have recommended, and Uber has agreed to, the institution of a fuel price-linked fare mechanism. It will increase the earnings of driver partners by Re1 per km. For driver partners, it will add up to Rs2,200 per month.”