App-Based Transport Drivers Announce Nationwide Strike Over Multiple Grievances
A significant union representing app-based taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers has declared a one-day nationwide strike scheduled for Saturday, February 7. The Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha, in an official statement, confirmed that drivers across the country will participate in this agitation to highlight several critical demands. The primary issues include addressing concerns over the financial burden of mandatory panic button installations, protesting low income levels, and opposing what they describe as exploitation by ride-hailing platforms.
Key Demands and Government Inaction
According to the union, the strike is a direct response to the continued failure of both Central and State Governments to implement minimum base fares as outlined in the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025. Despite these guidelines being in place, aggregator companies such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido continue to set fares unilaterally. This practice has resulted in unsustainable working conditions for drivers, forcing them to work longer hours for declining earnings. The union also aims to protest against "illegal" bike taxi services and the "arbitrary" fare policies enforced by these platforms.
Financial Hardship from Panic Button Installation
The Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha highlighted a specific financial burden faced by drivers: the mandatory installation of panic buttons. While the Central Government has approved 140 panic button device providers, the State Government has declared nearly 70% of these companies unauthorized. Consequently, cab drivers are being compelled to remove previously installed devices and spend approximately ₹12,000 each to install new ones. This unexpected expense has caused severe financial hardship for many drivers, exacerbating their already precarious economic situation.
Additional Concerns and Broader Impact
Beyond fare policies and panic buttons, the drivers' body raised other significant issues. They expressed concerns over loss of income due to an increase in the number of auto-rickshaws under the open permit policy. Additionally, they alleged that victims of accidents involving illegal bike taxis are often denied insurance benefits, leaving them vulnerable without proper compensation. These factors collectively contribute to the growing discontent among app-based transport workers.
Gig Workers Seek Political Support
In related developments, a delegation of transport and delivery gig workers recently met with Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. According to the Founder President of the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union, Shaik Salauddin, the half-hour meeting focused on the need for central legislation and the implementation of regulations in Congress-ruled states. The delegation emphasized the challenges faced by gig workers, seeking political intervention to address their grievances and improve working conditions.
This story is developing, and further updates are expected as the situation unfolds.
