Travel in Mumbai appears to have been severely disrupted as drivers working with app-based platforms like Ola and Uber continue their strike for the third consecutive day. Thousands of drivers are protesting, demanding fare revisions and improved working conditions.
Ola, Uber Strike Continues In Mumbai
According to The Economic Times, travel has been paralysed in Mumbai as Ola and Uber drivers continue their strike in the city. Kiran Kshirsagar, president of the Maharashtra Gig Works Manch, mentioned that nearly 90% of app-based cabs in Mumbai are currently off the roads, as part of the strike.
Reports suggest that the drivers’ protest is aimed at pushing for a fare hike and better regulations for gig workers in the transport sector. A team representing the drivers met Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik earlier this week. However, due to a lack of a clear commitment, thousands of drivers gathered at Azad Maidan near CSMT.
The agitation began on July 15, and commuters in the city are now struggling to get last-mile connectivity. According to reports, nearly 18,000 to 20,000 drivers from platforms like Ola and Uber are participating in the strike. This means that over half a million daily users have been affected due to the ongoing protest. As per the drivers, they are currently earning as little as ₹8-9/kilometre, and sometimes even less. They said that with rising fuel prices, maintenance costs, and EMI repayments, making ends meet has become increasingly difficult.
Airport Issues Travel Advisory For Flyers
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport Mumbai has also issued an advisory for its passengers. They have “advised to check transport availability and plan alternate arrangements in advance” while travelling to and from the airport.
Here are the key demands of the protestors –
- Fare parity with conventional taxis in the city.
- Ban on bike taxis
- A welfare board for gig-based transport workers
- A grievance redressal system
Also Read: Mumbai Sees Sharp Spike In Malaria And Chikungunya Cases Amid Monsoon, Says BMC
Let us know your thoughts about the Ola, Uber strike in Mumbai in the comments.
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