Uber and Ola drivers’ strike in Mumbai temporarily suspended

Ola and Uber drivers in Mumbai are facing dwindling incentives, and went on a strike to demand that fares factor in the rising fuel costs, among other things.
By: | November 7, 2018

 

A strike by hundreds of Ola and Uber drivers in Mumbai, India, has now been temporarily suspended, after an intervention by Diwakar Raote, the transport minister for the state of Maharashtra. Mumbai is the capital city of Maharashtra.

Hundreds of drivers for Uber and Ola, India’s two biggest ride-hailing companies, had been on strike since October 22nd.

They are calling for an increase in minimum base fares, to match fuel hikes, along with better incentives and working conditions.

Following the meeting with Raote, the strike was called off until November 15, so as not to disrupt Diwali celebrations. After this, a new fare scheme is to be put forth by both sides.

Both Uber and Ola management have temporarily offered taxi owners special ‘Diwali incentives’ to help with losses suffered during the strike. 

“Both companies are ready to give incentives to taxi owners to recover the loss during strike period till November 15 and will come up with fuel-based reworked solution on app-based taxi operators,” said Sachin Ahir, union leader.

“We are committed to the growth of driver partners who are micro entrepreneurs in their own right,” said Ola in a statement.

The population of Ola and Uber cabs in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region reportedly stands at 70,000.