Strike By Uber, Ola, IT Company Cab Drivers From Oct 19

The Telangana State Taxi & Drivers JAC (TSTD JAC) said that 50,000 cabs would be going on an indefinite strike against Uber, Ola and IT companies, beginning on October 19.

The decision had been arrived at following a ballot conducted yesterday, in which 75% of the votes cast were in favour of the strike.

"This strike is being organized in support of our demands that were made earlier by the TSTD JAC to the Telangana transport ministry, and also directly to Uber, Ola and IT sector companies," TSTD JAC Chairman Shaik Salauddin said.

Their demands include:

1. Get Uber, Ola and other taxi aggregator services to ensure better living conditions and work standards by charging a minimum fare of Rs 22 per km
2. Reinstate off-boarded (off-road) drivers
3. Place a cap on the number of cabs attached to aggregator marketplaces in order to ensure a minimum business guarantee to all drivers
4. Enforce the implementation of GOs Ms No 61 and 66 for drivers attached to IT companies
5. Ensure KYC approval of customers to tackle cases of assaults on drivers
6. Establish a taxi drivers' welfare and administration board to take responsibility for the drivers' safety and security as well as drivers' incomes, healths and welfare

Salauddin requested all Uber and Ola drivers to participate in the strike and to refrain from working for Ola and Uber, and for IT companies, for at least one day and go on strike.