Ola, Uber drivers on strike in Mumbai: Details here
What's the story
With many Ola and Uber drivers on strike, thousands of Mumbaikars, on Monday, woke up to commuting troubles. The strike, the second in a month, has been organized by drivers' union Maharashtra Rajya Rashtriya Kamgar Sangh (MRRKS) to demand higher earnings for drivers. Reportedly, the strike was organized to put pressure on state government during the first day of the Legislative Assembly's winter session. Here's more.
Strike
Strike organizers had planned a march, but were arrested beforehand
The demands made by the MRRKS include higher earnings for drivers, a minimum base fare in the rage of Rs. 100-150, and a per kilometer fare of Rs. 18-23. MRRKS had also planned to march from the Bharat Mata cinema to the Vidhan Bhavan, but reportedly, the strike organizers were arrested beforehand and taken to the Azad Maidan police station to prevent the march.
Other details
It's not known for how long the strike will continue
The strike began on Saturday, at midnight, and on Sunday around 40% of Ola and Uber drivers remained off the roads. Commenting on how long the strike will continue, the MRRKS said that a decision on the duration of the strike will be taken on Monday evening. Earlier, on October 22, MRRKS had organized a similar strike, which had gone on for 13 days.
Ola, Uber
How Ola and Uber have reacted to the strikes
Meanwhile, Ola and Uber, on their parts issued statements and appealed to drivers to remain on duty. Ola said that it had initiated "numerous initiatives" to help its driver partners "maximize their performance" and "improve their earnings". Uber, on the other hand, said that it would adjust its fares in line with increasing fuel prices, which would lead to drivers' incomes increasing by Rs. 2,000-2,200 per month.
Drivers
Some drivers claimed that the strike was politically motivated
However, some drivers told Mid-Day that they had been forced to go on strike by the union leaders under the threat of violence and damage to cabs. They said that the strike was politically motivated, and that many drivers were satisfied with the profits they were earning by driving for Ola and Uber.
Quote
The strike is breaking drivers' backs, said one driver
"Elections are approaching and every party is suffering from the saviour syndrome. But the strike breaks our back and we do not wish to participate," said one Ola driver.