Strike will get you nothing, HC tells Ola-Uber drivers
NEWDELHI: The Delhi High Court on Tuesday asked the drivers of app-based cab firms Ola and Uber and their unions, who had gone on strike in Delhi-NCR to protest against “low fares” and “lack” of basic amenities from the companies to resolve the issue through talks.
“You cannot go on fighting, as you do with the government. You will have to resolve and end this agitation as it will not get you anything,” Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw said.
The court said that the cab drivers and their unions have a purely contractual relationship with the companies and if they do not desire to continue, they can always choose the more lucrative option, but cannot demand anything from the firms except by peaceful commercial negotiation.
It said the agitating drivers should create an atmosphere for a peaceful commercial dialogue with app-based cab aggregators.
The court’s observations came after the counsel for the two unions -- Sarvodaya Driver Association of Delhi (SDAD) and Rajdhani Tourist Drivers’ Union, submitted that they have met the representatives of the two companies, but could not reach at any settlement.
The court appointed a mediator to help resolve the issue amicably and has now fixed the matter for hearing on March 22.
It, meanwhile, also extended its interim order asking Delhi Police to ensure safety of the drivers having contract with the companies and wanting to ply. It had also said that their vehicles should not be stopped or blocked from plying and these should not be damaged.
The drivers had demanded that they be given incentives at par with what they were promised when the cab services were launched in the city, accident insurance and a relaxation in working hours.
The protests might have fizzled out this time, but if the companies continue to look away from their drivers and continue with their short-term strategy, it won’t be long before the drivers hit the protest path again.