The protest by Ola and Uber cab and auto-rickshaw drivers across major Maharashtra cities including Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur was called off late Saturday. Drivers have given the state government a deadline of July 22 to respond to their demands. If not met, the strike will resume from Wednesday.
Demands and Protests
The Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha, led by Dr Keshav Nana Kshirsagar, continues its hunger strike. Protestors met with transport department officials on Friday and shared a list of demands, including:
- Rationalisation of cab fares
- Matching aggregator fares with metered cab fares
- Ban on bike taxi services like Rapido
- Capping permits for cabs and rickshaws
- Setting up a welfare board for drivers
- Implementation of the Maharashtra Gig Workers’ Act
Government’s Response
Transport department officials acknowledged the demands and stated that some actions, like action against bike taxis, are already in motion. Fare revisions may be included in the upcoming aggregator policy. A meeting with driver unions is scheduled for Tuesday.
Background
The strike was also spurred by the suicide of a driver in Nalasopara due to financial distress. Unions are seeking compensation and support for the family.
What Lies Ahead?
While services have resumed for now, the situation remains uncertain. All eyes are now on the July 22 deadline and the government’s official response.
