Mumbai Ride-Hailing Drivers Rally for Fair Wages and Policy Action

MUMBAI: Hundreds of drivers for app-based ride-hailing platforms like Ola, Uber, and Rapido gathered at Azad Maidan on Tuesday to demand the enforcement of the aggregator policy and wage parity with traditional kaali-peeli taxi drivers. The flash protest, spearheaded by unions such as the Indian Gig Workers Platform, Maharashtra State National Workers Union-App-based Transport Unit, Mumbai Taximen Union, and MARKS, underscored the drivers’ frustrations with alleged exploitation by ride-hailing companies.

The demonstration, which drew between 500 and 750 cab and auto drivers, caused a temporary shortage of available cabs and autorickshaws across Mumbai, leading to surge pricing that affected commuters. The unions highlighted the state government’s recent crackdown on illegal bike taxis as an additional grievance, arguing that it unfairly targets gig workers while broader policy issues remain unaddressed.

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Anand Kute of the Maharashtra Rajya Rashtriya Kamgar Sangh emphasized the stark pay gap, noting that app-based drivers earn just ₹8 to ₹12 per kilometer for operating air-conditioned taxis, compared to kaali-peeli taxis, which have a starting fare of ₹31 and a subsequent rate of ₹18 per kilometer. The protesters called for immediate action to ensure equitable pay and better working conditions for ride-hailing drivers.