Latest news with #MaharashtraGigWorkers'Act
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Business Standard
20-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Operators of app-based cabs suspend strike in Mumbai for three days
The Maharashtra Gig Kamgar Manch on Saturday suspended the ongoing strike of drivers of app-based taxis in Mumbai and other cities of Maharashtra for three days. Keshav Nana Kshirsagar, president of the association, told PTI that the strike, which started on Wednesday, was being suspended till next Tuesday to give time to the Maharashtra government to respond to their demands. "We have only suspended the strike, not called it off. If our demands are not accepted by Tuesday, services will be shut again," he said. At a meeting with the association's representatives, transport department officials sought time till Tuesday, said Kshirsagar. In the meantime, app-based cabs will charge the rate fixed by the government for the conventional black-and-yellow taxis and not the rate appearing in the apps of cab aggregators (such as Ola or Uber), he said. He also urged commuters and drivers to use a fare calculation website based on official government rates, to avoid overcharging. The Maharashtra Gig Kamgar Manch has demanded rationalisation of fares, bringing fares on par with those of the black-and-yellow metered cabs, prohibition of bike taxis, a cap on permits of black-and-yellow cabs and auto rickshaws, formation of a welfare board for drivers of app-based cabs and enactment of the 'Maharashtra Gig Workers' Act' on the lines of other states.
News18
19-07-2025
- Business
- News18
Operators of app-based cabs suspend strike for three days
Mumbai, Jul 19 (PTI) The Maharashtra Gig Kamgar Manch on Saturday suspended the ongoing strike of drivers of app-based taxis in Mumbai and other cities of Maharashtra for three days. Keshav Nana Kshirsagar, president of the association, told PTI that the strike, which started on Wednesday, was being suspended till next Tuesday to give time to the Maharashtra government to respond to their demands. 'We have only suspended the strike, not called it off. If our demands are not accepted by Tuesday, services will be shut again," he said. At a meeting with the association's representatives, transport department officials sought time till Tuesday, said Kshirsagar. In the meantime, app-based cabs will charge the rate fixed by the government for the conventional black-and-yellow taxis and not the rate appearing in the apps of cab aggregators (such as Ola or Uber), he said. He also urged commuters and drivers to use a fare calculation website based on official government rates, to avoid overcharging. The Maharashtra Gig Kamgar Manch has demanded rationalisation of fares, bringing fares on par with those of the black-and-yellow metered cabs, prohibition of bike taxis, a cap on permits of black-and-yellow cabs and auto rickshaws, formation of a welfare board for drivers of app-based cabs and enactment of the `Maharashtra Gig Workers' Act' on the lines of other states. PTI KK KRK First Published: July 19, 2025, 23:30 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
App-based cab operators suspend strike for three days
The Maharashtra Gig Kamgar Manch on Saturday suspended the ongoing strike of drivers of app-based taxis in Mumbai and other cities of Maharashtra for three Nana Kshirsagar, president of the association, told PTI that the strike, which started on Wednesday, was being suspended till next Tuesday to give time to the Maharashtra government to respond to their demands."We have only suspended the strike, not called it off. If our demands are not accepted by Tuesday, services will be shut again," he a meeting with the association's representatives, transport department officials sought time till Tuesday, said the meantime, app-based cabs will charge the rate fixed by the government for the conventional black-and-yellow taxis and not the rate appearing in the apps of cab aggregators (such as Ola or Uber ), he also urged commuters and drivers to use a fare calculation website based on official government rates, to avoid Maharashtra Gig Kamgar Manch has demanded rationalisation of fares, bringing fares on par with those of the black-and-yellow metered cabs, prohibition of bike taxis, a cap on permits of black-and-yellow cabs and auto rickshaws, formation of a welfare board for drivers of app-based cabs and enactment of the 'Maharashtra Gig Workers' Act' on the lines of other states.
NDTV
19-07-2025
- Business
- NDTV
Ola, Uber, Rapido Drivers On Indefinite Strike In Mumbai. Here's Why
Thousands of passengers across Mumbai have been grappling with long waiting times and unavailability of cabs after a section of drivers affiliated with Uber, Ola and Rapido halted services on July 15. The protest is mainly aimed at securing fair pay, better regulations and improved working conditions. What triggered the ongoing strike? The agitation, led by drivers in major areas including the airport zone, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Andheri and South Mumbai, stems from growing dissatisfaction over low earnings. Drivers allege that after accounting for aggregator commissions and fuel expenses, their actual income sometimes falls to just Rs 8 to Rs 12 per kilometre. Drivers said these earnings are unsustainable, especially with rising fuel and maintenance expenses. Their frustration has been further fuelled by the absence of regulatory oversight to protect their interests. What are the main demands of the protesting drivers? The strike is being coordinated by bodies including the Maharashtra Gig Kamgar Manch, the Maharashtra Rajya Rashtriya Kamgar Sangh and the Indian Gig Workers Front. The demands put forth are both economic and regulatory. Protesting drivers have demanded that app-based cab fares be brought on par with black-and-yellow taxis. They're also seeking a ban on bike taxis, a cap on new permits for kaali-peeli cabs and autos, the formation of a welfare board for app-based drivers and the introduction of a Maharashtra Gig Workers' Act to protect their rights. Drivers have also raised concerns about the discounts offered by platforms, stating that the cost of these discounts is often deducted from their earnings. They want the platforms to bear the discount cost instead of passing it on to the drivers. Is there any government regulation for aggregators in Maharashtra? Over a year after announcing plans for a dedicated policy on aggregator services, the Maharashtra government has yet to roll it out. A draft that outlines fare structures, licensing norms, and enforcement measures is ready but still awaits final approval. In the absence of clear regulations, disputes between drivers, app-based platforms, and commuters have become common. The delay in implementation has also limited the government's role in addressing these issues. How are commuters coping? With thousands of app-based cabs off the road, daily travel has become a struggle, especially for airport-bound passengers. In response, Mumbai Airport issued an advisory on social media urging travellers to prepare for possible delays and explore alternative transport. 'In light of ongoing protests in the state, passengers travelling via #MumbaiAirport are advised to check transport availability and plan alternate arrangements in advance,' read the post from the airport on X (formerly Twitter). In light of ongoing protests in the state, passengers travelling via #MumbaiAirport are advised to check transport availability and plan alternate arrangements in advance. #CSMIA #PassengerAdvisory #Travel #Aviation — Mumbai Airport (@CSMIA_Official) July 16, 2025 As per reports, striking Ola and Uber drivers were told by transport department officials on July 18 to wait until July 22 for further discussions before deciding on the next course of action. The strike continues in the meantime, affecting commuters across Mumbai.
India Today
18-07-2025
- Business
- India Today
Uber, Ola to remain off Mumbai streets as massive Azad Maidan rally planned today
The ongoing strike by drivers of app-based cab aggregators such as Ola and Uber is set to intensify in Maharashtra today, with protesters planning to gather at Mumbai's Azad Maidan. Cab services have been suspended across Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur since Wednesday, as drivers demand fare rationalisation to bring app-based rates in line with traditional black-and-yellow taxis, among other strike, now in its fourth day, has already caused significant disruptions for commuters, particularly at airports and railway stations, where long queues and extended waiting times have become routine. The protesters have held a round of discussions with the government, but failed to reach a cab drivers will stage a sit-in protest at Azad Maidan from Friday to escalate the agitation. No further talks have taken place with the government since the meeting with state transport minister Pratap Sarnaik at Mantralaya on Tuesday,' said a representative of the striking drivers, indicating a deadlock with no resolution in sight. The protest is being spearheaded by the Maharashtra Gig Kamgar Manch, which has raised several demands, including a ban on bike taxis, a cap on the number of black-and-yellow taxis and autorickshaws, and the creation of a welfare board for app-based drivers. The drivers are also pushing for the enactment of a 'Maharashtra Gig Workers' Act', inspired by similar laws in other states, to address the growing concerns over gig workers' rights and Kshirsagar, president of the Maharashtra Gig Kamgar Manch, said that nearly 70 per cent of app-based cabs have stayed off the roads, severely limiting ride availability and affecting daily commuter inconvenience, the strike has also raised safety concerns. Some citizens have reported that striking drivers are coercing their peers into joining the protest by stopping them from operating. The Chandivali Citizen Welfare Association shared an incident on social media showing cab drivers confronting a fellow driver who continued to work during the strike, fuelling debate over the ethics of protest and railway stations have been particularly affected, with limited alternative transport options. The Mumbai airport operator has advised passengers to make travel arrangements in advance and explore alternatives to avoid no progress in government negotiations, the agitation appears set to continue, and the impact on commuters is likely to worsen unless the drivers' demands are meaningfully addressed.- Ends IN THIS STORY#Mumbai
