Prompted by low-fares in 'pool' rides and withdrawal of incentives, Ola-Uber driver unions have threatened to go on strike from 19th June in the Delhi-NCR region. If started, this will be the second such strike so far in the year after a 10-day-long strike by the drivers of the two app-based taxi aggregators.
The Sarovdaya Drivers Association of Delhi (SDAD), which claims to represent over 20,000 drivers in the city, is calling the strike.
The drivers' union also claimed that they would block roads and disrupt traffic this time, if their demands are not heard by the companies and the government.
"At present we are preparing a strategy by getting in touch with all drivers. We have a large number of drivers and we need to explain our stand to each one of them to fight for our rights," said Kamaljeet Gill, president SDAD.
Besides revision of fare slabs, the drivers are also demanding an increase in the base fare of Rs 49 for the cab-pool facility.
"The pool fares are too low even if the distance is long, which is not fair to the drivers. Also, earlier we used to get incentives for a certain number of trips taken, which have been withdrawn by the companies. For instance, for 30 trips in a day, the driver would get Rs 1500, which is not the case for some time," said Gill.
Meanwhile, the Delhi government which was to frame a policy on regulating app-based taxi services in the Capital is still awaiting the Centre's approval on the policy.
The previous strike had turned violent with a group of drivers attacking those who were plying on the roads, leading to a law and order situation.
The drivers' long-pending demands have been a reduction of commission amount paid to the company, putting a cap on the number of cabs that can be attached under the two taxi services and fixed accidental insurances.
