Body backing Ola, Uber drivers says strike may continue

For the third day in a row, Mumbaikars will have problem in finding mobile aggregator cabs of Uber and Ola or will have to pay inflated fares for them. The Maharashtra Navnirman Vahatuk Sena, which is spearheading the protest of the drivers of Uber and Ola, has threatened that strike shall continue.

This time the drivers will keep their devices shut. “We will continue with the protest wherein drivers will switch off their devices. We asked for time to discuss our issues with the aggregators but they did paid no heed our request,” read a statement by MNS.

Even on Tuesday there was lesser number of cabs on roads. During peak hours, there was surge pricing with people paying two-three times of regular fares. Although during off-peak hours vehicles were available on road, they were coming 10-15 minutes after booking.

The aggregators claim that the drivers are able to use the app with over 80 per cent people who are online for eight hours a day, and make between Rs 1500 and Rs 2500 daily after deducting 20 per cent service fee. However, over the last 24 hours, a large number of their drivers in Mumbai claim that they are forcefully asked to go offline.

“Certain beliefs propagated by protesting groups are untrue. We do not give preferential dispatches to any car. Certain drivers and riders lose access to the Uber app when their conduct goes against our guidelines,” said a Uber spokesperson. An Ola spokesperson said: “We have seen a slight improvement in our services. For the situation to improve significantly, it is imperative that intimidation of drivers and vandalism of their cars by vested interests be stopped.”