Ola, Uber Drivers Pause Strike Till July 22, Hunger Strike On
The ongoing strike by Ola and Uber drivers in Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur has finally taken a brief pause, with the drivers deciding to suspend their strike until July 22. The decision comes after the Maharashtra government failed to meet their key demands, leading the drivers to call off their strike temporarily. However, union leader Kshirsagar has refused to budge, opting for a hunger strike instead.
The drivers, who are a part of the Rajya Karmachari Union, have been demanding fare rationalization, a ban on bike taxis, and the formation of a welfare board for the past few weeks. The strike, which began on June 25, has caused significant disruptions to the city’s transportation system, with thousands of passengers affected.
According to reports, the Maharashtra government has agreed to meet some of the demands, including the formation of a committee to look into the issues faced by the drivers. However, the government has refused to meet the key demands of fare rationalization and a ban on bike taxis.
The drivers are unhappy with the government’s response and have decided to continue their strike after July 22 if their demands are not met. In a statement, the union leaders said, “We are willing to give the government one more chance to meet our demands. If our demands are not met, we will resume our strike with full force.”
The strike has already caused significant losses to the companies, with estimates suggesting that Ola and Uber have lost over Rs 100 crore each. The strike has also affected the livelihoods of thousands of drivers who rely on the companies for their income.
Union leader Kshirsagar, who has been on a hunger strike since June 25, has refused to back down. “I will continue my hunger strike until our demands are met,” he said in a statement. “We are not just fighting for our rights, but for the rights of all auto-rickshaw drivers in the state.”
The strike has also received support from various social and political organizations, who have called for the government to meet the demands of the drivers. “The government must take immediate action to resolve the issue,” said a spokesperson for the Maharashtra Congress. “The drivers are not asking for much, just a fair deal and a ban on bike taxis.”
In the meantime, the Maharashtra government has set up a committee to look into the issues faced by the drivers. The committee, which is headed by the state’s Transport Minister, will hold meetings with the drivers and other stakeholders to resolve the issue.
The development comes as a relief to passengers who have been affected by the strike. “I was worried that the strike would continue indefinitely,” said a passenger who was affected by the strike. “I’m glad that the drivers have decided to give the government one more chance to meet their demands.”
The strike has also highlighted the plight of auto-rickshaw drivers who are struggling to make ends meet. Many drivers who were not a part of the strike have also joined the movement, demanding better wages and working conditions.
As the strike enters its third week, the outcome remains uncertain. Will the government meet the demands of the drivers, or will the strike continue? Only time will tell.
Source: https://trak.in/stories/uber-ola-auto-cab-strike-in-mumbai-pune-suspended-till-july-22/
