11 days of strike: Ola, Uber drivers worry about a grim Diwali

Eleven days into the strike now, Ola and Uber drivers have become restless for an outcome as they are set for another round of meetings on Thursday. They are hoping they won't have to look at a dull Diwali and that the deadlock with the aggregator companies is resolved. Some even went to meet Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, urging them to help with the issue that has been in a limbo from last Monday.

On Wednesday, the drivers seemed anxious over what will happen on Thursday, hoping it will be the last meeting and that they will be able to resume plying their vehicles soon. Commuters, too, have been a harrowed lot for the past ten days. On October 30, another 8-hour long meeting was held in Chakala.

However, there was no headway, as both parties refused to budge. After the previous marathon meeting held on October 29, the Maharashtra Rajya Rashtriya Kaamgar Sangh (MRRKS) claimed that the aggregator companies had agreed to hike per kilometer fares by 25-50 per cent. Yet, nothing has transpired the way it was expected.

"We will be meeting the aggregator companies again on Thursday. The companies have stated that they will have to speak to the higher authorities, before taking a call. If our demands are not met, we will have to keep the strike going," said Govind Mohite, General Secretary, MRRKS.

The financial condition of the drivers has gone from bad to worse, is what the unions claim. They have several loans to repay and feed their families as well.

Some of those who met MNS chief Raj Thackeray, said they were asked to approach through MNS's transport union. The MRRKS, on the other hand, is headed by the Nationalist Congress Party.

As of now, over 95 per cent Ola and Uber drivers are on strike. The passengers are having to wait up to 30-40 minutes after booking a cab. Even the dynamic fares have surged by 4-5 times, making it expensive to travel even short distances.