
Why are Ola, Uber & Rapido drivers on indefinite strike in Mumbai?
In a significant disruption to India’s ride-hailing ecosystem, drivers of Uber, Ola, and Rapido have gone on an indefinite strike in Mumbai, bringing long wait times and fewer cabs on the road. The strike, which began on a recent weekday morning, has resulted in a significant shortage of vehicles on the streets, leaving commuters scrambling for alternative modes of transportation.
But what are the reasons behind this strike? According to the drivers, the main issue is the unsustainable earnings they receive after deducting aggregator commissions and fuel expenses. They alleged that their actual income falls to a meager ₹8-12 per kilometer, making it impossible to make a living.
In an interview with NDTV, a Rapido driver from Mumbai said, “We can’t sustain this income. Our fuel expenses have increased, and maintenance costs are also rising. We need a decent income to run our vehicles and support our families.” Another Ola driver echoed similar sentiments, stating, “We are not asking for the moon. We just want a fair income. The aggregators are making huge profits, but we are left with peanuts.”
The drivers’ demands include a reasonable commission structure, increased fares, and a share of the profit made by the aggregators. They also want the government to regulate the ride-hailing industry, ensuring that drivers receive a fair share of the revenue generated.
The strike has not only affected the commuters but also the ride-hailing companies themselves. Uber, Ola, and Rapido have lost significant revenue, and the companies are struggling to keep up with the demand. The strike has also led to a surge in prices of other modes of transportation, such as autorickshaws and taxis, making it even more difficult for commuters to find a reliable and affordable option.
The impact of the strike has been exacerbated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has already disrupted the city’s transportation system. The lockdowns and restrictions have led to a significant decline in the number of passengers, making it even more challenging for drivers to earn a decent income.
The Mumbai traffic police have appealed to the drivers to call off the strike, but the drivers are adamant that they will not return to work until their demands are met. The police have also set up temporary parking zones to manage the traffic congestion caused by the strike.
The strike has sparked a heated debate about the exploitation of gig economy workers. Many experts argue that the aggregators are profiting from the labor of thousands of drivers, who are treated as independent contractors rather than employees. This lack of regulation has led to a race to the bottom, where drivers are forced to accept lower and lower fares to remain competitive.
The government has been under pressure to regulate the ride-hailing industry, but so far, no concrete steps have been taken. The strike has brought attention to the plight of the drivers and the need for a more sustainable and equitable solution.
As the strike continues, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold. Will the drivers’ demands be met, or will the aggregators find ways to circumvent the strike? One thing is certain, however – the strike has brought the issue of exploitation in the gig economy into sharp focus, and it is time for the government and the aggregators to take action to protect the rights of these workers.
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