THE ROAD SO FAR
MUMBAI: After two unsuccessful attempts to settle their demands, the union representing striking app-based taxi drivers has decided to once again visit negotiations with Ola and Uber managements on Thursday. Failure to come to an agreement by both parties has extended the strike into its 10th day.
Upset by the prolonged strike, a section of drivers on Wednesday afternoon met with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray at his Shivaji Park residence and later had a meeting with the transport wing of the party.
“We are in the process of going to court against the state government’s delay in implementation of rules and regulations for appbased taxi aggregators,” said Sanjay Naik, leader of Maharashtra Navnirman Vahatuk Sena that had led a three -day strike by Ola and Uber drivers in March 2018.
Naik said the party’s transport wing has assured the drivers of intervening and resolving the issue using Mns-style agitation methods if the strike extends.
Since October 22, the drivers have been on indefinite strike,
seeking among other things, a revised income. Labour union Maharashtra Rajya Rashtriya Kamgar Sangh (MRRKS) has led the strike and spoken with company managements about the drivers’ issues.
The union had two marathon meetings with Ola and Uber since
Monday but despite prolonged deliberations, they remained inconclusive. However, the union is firm in its stand that the strike will continue till the demands are met.
“Last night we had a meeting with Uber management after the meeting with Ola. Though they agreed to almost 80% of our demands, they have sought more time to get approval from the bosses,” said Govind Mohite, general secretary of MRRKS.
The drivers’ union and Olauber managements had a joint meeting at the Ola office on Monday and separate meetings on Tuesday, without reaching a settlement.
Many drivers mentioned the financial effects of the long strike. “We have not earned any money since the past 10 days. How we will we celebrate Diwali, pay our loam EMIS, and other expenses?” said one driver.