Big Auto-Taxi Strike in Delhi-NCR Looms, Drivers Protest Against Ola and Uber
Delhi-NCR is going to witness huge transportation disruptions in commuting on August 22 and 23, as unions of auto and taxi drivers announced a huge strike against Ola and Uber. This action was organized by more than 15 unions across the region, termed against what they claimed to have an adverse effect on their livelihoods through cab services based on apps like Ola and Uber. According to the unions, these services have drastically fallen, and immediate intervention is required from both the Centre and the state government.
Reasons Behind the Strike
It has taken out its anger on the dominance of app-based services in the transport sector, which has caused a dent in their earnings and therefore hitting overall job security. According to Kishan Verma, the president of Delhi Auto Taxi Transport Congress Union, the strike has been called in response to no action being taken by the government despite repeated appeals.
“For several years, we have been writing to governments and departments about companies like Ola and Uber, but no one listens,” Verma said. “These companies present their side, and the government presents its side, and all these businesses go on as a game of donations, in which also the government is involved. We demand the end of this game.”
There has been a proliferation of app-based services that has affected not only the earnings of these drivers but has spawned a host of illegal activities, says Verma, one of the union leaders.” Private taxis have been involved in smuggling and the trade of alcohol and drugs, they claim. The unions are demanding a ban on these services and want the government to introduce its own app in order to level the playing field.
Impact of the Strike
The strike is reportedly going to suspend all auto and taxi services across Delhi-NCR, causing much inconvenience to the commuters. The unions are trying to draw due attention from the authorities over their plight and press them into action. Given the fact that Delhi-NCR happens to be one of the most densely inhabited and congested traffic regions across India, the strike is going to have an adverse effect on daily travel and logistics.
The timing of the strike, which includes two continuous days, is probably aimed at maximum publicity to put pressure on the government to heed drivers’ demands. Commuters are advised to look for alternate means of transport on these days to avoid inconvenience.
Union’s Demands
The major demands of the striking unions are as follows
Government Intervention: The unions have demanded a total ban on private app-based taxi services such as Ola and Uber, according to them, that are snatching their business from autos and traditional taxis.
Control on Commission Rates: According to unions, the ride-hailing companies are making the business unviable by charging up to 45 per cent commission from drivers.
Government-Run App: They are demanding a government-run app so that there is a level platform and equal opportunity for all in the sector.
Concerns on Illegal Activities: Illegal activities, such as smuggling and drug trade, that go hand in hand with private taxis, according to the unions, are also an issue. They want stricter laws and their enforcement in this regard.
Government and Public Response
No formal central or state government comment has emanated thus far regarding the unions’ demands at the time of going to press. However, the situation could spark debates among the policymakers about the future of the ride-hailing industry and its regulation.
The event will also engage public attention, for it puts in the limelight broader issues of employment, regulation, and technology applied to conventional industries. Commuters and business owners will no doubt be disrupted in their daily activities and business opportunities respectively by the planned action which will undoubtedly have many questioning whether the benefits of technology progress outweigh the cost in terms of protection for existing livelihoods.
Background Info on App-Based Services
Ola and Uber are big boys in the transport sector, offering convenient and mostly cheaper alternatives to commuters. But their rise has been opposed by conventional auto and taxi drivers who say that the services operate with almost no regulation and hurt their earnings.
This is not an exclusively Indian battle between app-based services and traditional ways of transportation. It reflects a global trend wherein new technology is causing ructions in established industries. The challenge for any government or regulator is to find solutions that balance innovation with fair competition and protection for workers.
Conclusion
The proposed strike of auto and taxi drivers in Delhi-NCR is an event of great significance in light of ongoing tensions between traditional transport providers and modern app-based services. As the situation unfolds, it would be quite important for the government, unions, and the public to engage in constructive dialogue in order to address the issues and find out equanimity. For now, commuters are advised to prepare themselves for possible disruptions and plan alternative modes of transport during the strike period.
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