Bengaluru: Various driver unions, attached to Ola and Uber companies, have threatened to shut down services and even commit suicides if their respective managements do not reach a consensus on their demands by Monday.
The State President of Karunada Rajya Taxi Owners and Drivers Association, Kiran Gowda, told Deccan Chronicle, “We raised our demands to the Transport Commissioner, Ola and Uber officials. A lot of drivers were attracted by the Rs 3,000-5,000 incentives, per day. However, they have set an impossible target of 20 trips in 24 hours for those incentives, which is inhumane. Instead of 10 per cent commission to be deducted, they are taking 25-30 per cent from drivers.”
“We will commit suicide if there is no response from Uber and Ola by Monday. A lot of drivers came to Bengaluru from other districts, hoping to make a livelihood, but they and their families, have been severely affected. The earnings do not meet the vehicle maintenance costs and the home loans we take,” Kiran Gowda pointed out.
Drivers being threatened
Gowda and Radhakrishna Holla, General Secretary of Bengaluru Tourist Taxi Operators Association, alleged that bouncers were used to threaten drivers, when they tried to air their grievances.
“If we take a different route, because of some obstruction or the customer cancels the ride, they fine us Rs 500. The second time, they disable our app without warning or notification. When we go to their office to complain, their bouncers verbally and physically abuse us,” Gowda claimed.
In a video grab circulated by the taxi unions, an Ola staff is seen manhandling an agitated driver, who had gone to register a complaint.
