The impasse began on Monday after the drivers decided to go on an indefinite strike, which initially started off as a simply a day-long protest.
Commuters may have to face the brunt of the Ola Uber strike for yet another day. The air conditioned mobile aggregator cabs of Ola and Uber might not be running in its full strength for the third consecutive day (on Wednesday). The unions representing the drivers are unhappy over the fact that the mobile aggregators are not holding any dialogue with them and resolving their issues.
The impasse began on Monday after the drivers decided to go on an indefinite strike, which initially started off as a simply a day-long protest. On Tuesday too, there was no discussion leading to the growing animosity.
Mumbai has about 50,000 app based cabs, and in the past two days, over 40 per cent have been off the road. The drivers are demanding higher fares amid soaring fuel prices, allowing only those customers whose phone numbers are linked with Aadhaar card, and not to suspend drivers based on complaints lodged by customers in case of any untoward incident.
"It seems that the mobile aggregators care about neither the passengers nor the drivers and are fooling both. They are simply refusing to talk to us one-on-one and are sending letters and talking over phone, only to ask us to withdraw the strike. The drivers have decided to continue with strike until their demands are met," said Sunil Gajanan Borkar, Secretary, Maharashtra Rajya Rashtriya Kamgar Sangh (MRRKS).
People have already taken to social media to inform about how badly the strike is affecting them. The surge pricing is three to four the regular fares even during lean hours, given the imbalance in demand and supply. The union is threatening to intensify the strike by starting a 'chakka jam' agitation at four toll plazas on Mumbai entry points.
Ola, for the second consecutive day, refused to comment on the issue. Uber stated that they have requested the law enforcing agencies to implement High Court's injunction that restrains unions from going on strike. They also claim that their driving partners are not being allowed to take their vehicles out on the road.
"We request law enforcers to implement the court's order and hope that will help drivers stay behind the wheels, something many have been telling us, without fear or harassment. Through a series of monetary and other interventions like health and life insurance, we are focusing on ensuring that our driving partners in Mumbai continue to get a stable income while giving riders a convenient, reliable option to get around the city," read Atheir statement.
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