Ola withdraws strike, while Uber continues

Mumbai: Private cab operator Ola withdrew its strike on Wednesday evening, however Uber drivers plan to continue the strike. Around 80 cabs of app-based private cab aggregators Ola and Uber were allegedly vandalised during the strike that began on Sunday.

The drivers went on strike due to diminishing income, claimed sources from the two firms.

MNS transport wing president Sanjay Naik said that they called off the strike with private cab aggregator Ola on Wednesday after their representatives agreed to meet one out of the five demands made by them. We had asked them to take back the blacklisted drivers, which they agreed. Rest matters were financial, thus they have asked us time of about 15 days to discuss the same with the directors of the company.”

He further added that henceforth, there will be Ola stickers in Marathi too.  

Since the strike began, there have been several incidents of vandalism. . “In the past three days, around 80 vehicles of both the aggregators Ola and Uber were vandalised.

Also, there are 35-40 cases wherein the smart phones of the drivers were snatched by the mob to stall the operations,” revealed a source.  

According to the transport wing of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), the companies have not come forward to discuss the issue with the party leaders. The MNS issued a statement that said, “We asked for time to discuss our issues with the aggregators but they did not pay heed our request.”

The strike has taken a toll on the harried passengers. Several people complained that even the regular taxi drivers took undue advantage and overcharged them due to the strike. Many people opted for BEST and trains to commute.

“I had seen videos circulating on whatsapp where the drivers were pulled off their vehicles and the glass of their vehicles were smashed. I did not dare to book a private cab. I am relying on BEST buses services to reach Goregaon from Dahisar,” said Bhakti Jhadhav, a working professional.