KOCHI: Most of the drivers work for over 10 hours at a stretch for higher cash incentives offered by taxi aggregators like Uber and Ola, putting safety of passengers at risk.
For instance, as per the payment contract of a US-based company, a driver working continuously for 16 hours (7 am to 11 pm) will get a guaranteed Rs 3,000, Rs 2650 for 14 hours (7 am to 9 pm), Rs 1850 for 10 hours (7 am to 5 pm) and Rs 1250 for eight hours (11 pm to 7 am).
“Most of us could not help but work in the longer slots. Today I got Rs 8,000 from the services, but I was forced to spend nearly Rs 4,000 for diesel alone. I’m remitting a monthly loan repayment of Rs 13, 250 for the vehicle,” said K. A. Xavier, a cab driver.
The All Kerala Online Taxi Drivers Union (OTDU) alleges most of the companies are now deviating from the original agreement and force the drivers to work for longer periods.
Contract agreement of Uber that describes terms of payment for employees
“As per the original agreement, we’re asked to operate a minimum 18 trips a week for which we’ll be paid Rs 18, 000. Now we’re asked to conduct as many as 70 trips, but they are not providing the corresponding pay. Last week I met their condition of working 14 hours a day (7 am to 9 pm) for which I should get Rs 18 550, but I got only Rs 11, 000,” said Saji T., another driver.
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