Ahmedabad commuters may face travel difficulties next week as around 12 autorickshaw and taxi unions have announced a four-day strike from September 7 to 10. The unions are protesting the alleged exploitation of drivers by online ride-hailing platforms and the use of private two-wheelers to carry passengers.
The strike, being held under the banner of the “Rozgar Bachao Andolan”, was announced after union leaders said they failed to receive a concrete response from the state government on their demand for action against alleged unfair practices by online platforms.
The unions have raised objections to services operated by Ola, Uber, Rapido and Bharat Taxi, alleging that these platforms are financially affecting autorickshaw and taxi drivers. They also claimed that although the government has issued a circular against illegal passenger services operated by private two-wheelers, weak enforcement has increased economic uncertainty for traditional drivers.
As part of the protest, participating drivers will display posters on their vehicles highlighting their demands and keep their autos and taxis off the roads during the strike.
Unions Supporting the Strike
The protest has been backed by several driver organisations, including the Ahmedabad Rickshaw Chalak Ekta Union, Pragati Rickshaw Chalak Union, Navyug Auto Rickshaw Driver Association, Auto Driver Ekta Samiti, All Gujarat Autorickshaw Drivers Union, Ahmedabad Railway Station Auto Drivers Union, Ahmedabad Rickshaw Driver Suraksha Samiti, Ladat Samiti Union, Smart City Auto Driver Union, Driver Seva Trust and Ahmedabad Taxi Drivers Union.
With a large number of autorickshaws and taxis expected to stay off the roads, commuters, students and other passengers may need to make alternative travel arrangements during the four-day strike.