Drivers working with app-based platforms like Ola and Uber have paused their four-day strike, citing mounting financial pressure and family responsibilities. However, the core demand remains: implementation of RTO-notified fares across all aggregator platforms.
The strike began with a sit-in at Azad Maidan and gained traction after a tragic incident where a driver from Nalasopara died by suicide, reportedly due to financial burden.
What Drivers Are Demanding
Drivers say that the current fares—₹8 to ₹12 per km—offered by app companies are unsustainable. They are calling for:
- Mandatory implementation of ₹32 per km, as notified by the Regional Transport Authority (RTO)
- Use of Only Meter website to calculate trip fares instead of app estimates
- Passenger-driver fare agreement based on government-approved rates
The Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha stated this practice is already in effect in Mumbai and Pune, and passengers have shown support.
Temporary Return, Conditional Warning
According to Dr. Keshav Kshirsagar, President of the Kamgar Sabha, the strike is only temporarily suspended. If the government does not respond positively by July 22, drivers will resume the strike from July 23.
Passengers are being asked to visit www.onlymeter.in for fare transparency. Drivers will cancel app rides and negotiate fares offline at government-set rates.
Support from IFAT and Political Pressure
The Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT) has also instructed drivers to continue accepting rides, but with the fare charged outside the app. “We are trying not to affect livelihoods,” said Prashant Sawardekar, IFAT President, who also raised concerns about cab vandalism and driver suicides.
Leaders have met BJP state chief Ravindra Chavan and may escalate the matter to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde if demands remain unmet.
This protest signals a growing call for fair, regulated earnings in India’s booming gig economy, with drivers urging the government to ensure dignified livelihoods over platform profits.
