Why are cab drivers starting a ‘no AC campaign’ in Hyderabad from March 24?
In a move that has sent shockwaves throughout the city, cab drivers in Hyderabad have launched a ‘no AC campaign’ from March 24, protesting the unfair rates charged by Ola, Uber, Rapido, and other cab aggregators. This unusual move has left commuters in the city wondering what this means for their daily rides.
According to reports, the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union, which represents the interests of cab drivers, has been demanding a uniform fare structure similar to the government-mandated prepaid taxi fares. The union claims that cab aggregators are charging exorbitant rates, making it difficult for drivers to earn a decent living.
The boycott of rides to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, which began on March 22, has been a major point of contention between the cab drivers and the aggregators. The drivers are refusing to ply their vehicles to the airport, citing the unfair rates charged by the aggregators. This has led to a significant shortage of cabs at the airport, causing inconvenience to passengers.
So, what’s behind this sudden move by the cab drivers? The answer lies in the financial struggles faced by the drivers. According to the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union, a majority of the cab drivers are struggling to make ends meet due to the low commission rates offered by the aggregators. The union claims that the aggregators are taking away a significant portion of the earnings, leaving the drivers with meager sums.
“We are not against the aggregators, but we want a fair deal. We want a uniform fare structure that benefits both the drivers and the passengers. The current system is unfair and unsustainable,” said K. Srinivas, the president of the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union.
The union has been demanding a commission rate of 15-20% for the drivers, but the aggregators are refusing to budge. The drivers claim that they are being forced to work for long hours, often for 12 hours a day, without getting a fair share of the earnings.
The ‘no AC campaign’ is a symbolic protest by the drivers to highlight their demands. By refusing to offer air-conditioned cabs, the drivers are hoping to put pressure on the aggregators to reconsider their demands. The campaign has already gained momentum, with many drivers participating in the boycott.
While the campaign has caused inconvenience to some commuters, it has also sparked a wider debate about the treatment of cab drivers by the aggregators. Many experts believe that the aggregators have been exploiting the drivers, using their dominance in the market to squeeze out profits.
“This is a classic case of exploitation. The aggregators have used their market power to squeeze out the drivers, leaving them with hardly any earnings. It’s time for the government to intervene and ensure that the drivers get a fair deal,” said Dr. R. Ramakrishna Reddy, a professor of economics at the University of Hyderabad.
The Telangana government has hinted that it may intervene in the matter. The state’s minister for transportation, P. Ajay Kumar, has said that the government is willing to consider the demands of the cab drivers.
“We understand the concerns of the drivers and are willing to listen to their demands. We will consider implementing a uniform fare structure and ensuring that the drivers get a fair share of the earnings,” said Kumar.
As the ‘no AC campaign’ continues to unfold, one thing is clear – the cab drivers of Hyderabad are not going to take it lying down. They are demanding a fair deal, and it’s up to the aggregators and the government to listen to their demands.
