Uber drivers hold dharna, to intensify agitation
Hyderabad, Aug 28 (INN): Hundreds of drivers, working with Uber, participated in the day-long hunger strike camp at Dharna Chowk, Indira Park, on Friday.
The drivers, under the aegis of Telangana State Cabs and Bus Operators Association (TSCBOA) held the hunger strike in protest against the management's failure to provide promised business and incentives. Addressing the hunger strike camp, TSCBOA President Syed Nizamuddin alleged that Uber has cheated thousands of drivers with the promise of more than Rs. 70,000 income per month. Almost all the drivers purchased new vehicles on finance or by borrowing money on huge interest. However, due to drastic cut in incentives and bookings, the drivers are unable to even pay the interest on time. Most of them have joined the Uber by abruptly leaving their regular jobs. Now they are not in a position to rejoin their previous employers. He said that the drivers have tried to speak to the Uber management to resolve the issue. However, the management has simply refused to negotiate and left the drivers with no option, but to protest.
Nizamuddin requested the government authorities to intervene into the matter as it affects the lives of nearly 15,000 drivers and their families. He described the Uber's beheviour as an open example of corporate fraud. It first lured the drivers into a trap by offering huge incentives and now it is forcing them to either work on reduced pay or quit. He said that the TSCBOA would take up the matter with higher authorities and a representation would be given to Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao, Transport Minister Mahender Reddy, Transport Commissioner and other authorities. He said that the Association was also considering lodging a complaint of cheating against the Uber management.
The Uber drivers participated in the hunger strike from 10 AM to 5 PM. Several other drivers and members of TSCBOA also joined the hunger strike camp to express their solidarity with the Uber drivers. Those who participated in the hunger strike camp include Md Wajid, P. Chandraiah, K. Satyanarayana, Shaik Masood and Venkatesh Goud.
News Posted: 28 August, 2015
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