Drivers of cab aggregators Ola and Uber went on a strike in Chennai on Monday, demanding fare regulation and a ban on bike taxi services that they believe are eroding their earnings.

The drivers are also seeking stringent action against toll booths operating beyond their contracted periods, news agency PTI reported.

The protesting drivers staged an agitation, urging immediate state government intervention to regulate app-based cab aggregators. They are also seeking a resolution to the issue of high commissions charged by these aggregators, which they claim are affecting their livelihoods.

The All India Road Transport Workers Federation and the Tamil Nadu Urimai Kural Driver Trade Union, which initiated the strike, are demanding a ban on bike taxi services.

Drivers have also called for a large-scale protest in the city on October 18 to emphasise their demands.

M. Bhoopathy, the general secretary of the Tamil Nadu Call Taxi Workers’ Union, said that the guidelines for motor vehicle aggregators issued by the Centre in 2020 have not been enforced in the state.

The absence of these regulations is negatively affecting drivers and passengers, he added. Bhoopathy said implementing these rules would ensure fair fares for commuters and better compensation for drivers.

This is not the first time when there have been protests against bike taxis in the country. In March this year, nearly 2 lakh auto-rickshaw drivers in Bengaluru took to the streets to voice their demand for a ban on bike taxis. This marked one of the most significant demonstrations against the bike taxi business model.

Auto drivers contend that bike taxis pose a threat to their livelihoods.
With increased government scrutiny of bike taxis, multiple state governments, including Karnataka, are actively considering the possibility of banning bike taxi services.

It must also be noted that gig workers in the country have held multiple protests over the last few years demanding higher wages and social security.

Earlier this year, the union labour ministry held discussions with startups, including Ola, Uber, Zomato, Swiggy, and Urban Company, that operate largely based on gig workers. The talks aimed to explore the provisions to provide benefits such as life insurance, personal accident coverage, and health insurance for workers operating in the gig economy framework.

Earlier, a report by Fairwork India Ratings 2022 revealed that some of the prominent startups, including Ola, Uber, and Dunzo, fared poorly in terms of providing favourable working conditions to gig workers.