Devanjana Mukherjee, Khabri Media
The two-day strike led by Ola and Uber drivers has sparked concerns among daily commuters and ride-hailing platforms about how they will navigate the challenges.
Pic: Social Media
In a world driven by ridesharing services like Ola and Uber, the men and women behind the wheel are the backbone of this modern transportation revolution. However, as their tireless efforts keep these services running, many drivers are raising their voices and going on strike to demand better remuneration.
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One of the primary reasons for the strike is the gradual reduction in earnings for drivers. Over time, both Ola and Uber have decreased the per-kilometer rates and increased their commissions, leaving drivers with a smaller piece of a large cake.
To maintain their income levels, many drivers are forced to work long hours, sometimes in excess of 12 hours a day. This prolonged work puts them at risk of fatigue and burnout, impacting the quality of their service and road safety.
Pic: Social Media
The All India Road Transport Workers Federation announced the two-day strike across the state urging the government to ban Rapido bike-taxi services, intervene and regulate app-based cab aggregators such as Ola, Uber, Porter, and Red Taxi. They demand the government to sort out the differences between them and the aggregators over the commission.
As drivers continue to strike, companies like Ola and Uber have, in some cases, made efforts to address driver concerns. They have introduced initiatives like driver insurance and assistance programs to improve the financial well-being of their workforce. However, drivers argue that these measures are not enough to ensure a sustainable income.
The strikes have prompted governments in various regions to consider implementing regulations to protect the rights and welfare of gig economy workers. This includes discussions about setting minimum wage standards, regulating working hours, and providing benefits like health insurance.
