Uber striking drivers seek govt intervention

Hyderabad: Hundreds of drivers working with Uber participated in a day-long hunger strike at Dharna Chowk, Indira Park, on Friday. The drivers, under the aegis of Telangana State Cabs and Bus Operators Association (TSCBOA), organised the hunger strike in protest against the management failing to fulfil its promise of offering business and incentives.

Addressing the hunger strike camp, TSCBOA president Syed Nizamuddin alleged that Uber had taken thousands of drivers for a ride by promising to ensure income to the tune of Rs 70,000 a month. The drivers, by reposing trust in the management, had purchased new vehicles on finance or by borrowing money on high interest rate.

But the management had reneged on its promise to ensure incentives and there was drastic drop in cab bookings. With this, the drivers were unable to even pay interest on the money they borrowed, he said. The Uber management had remained intransigent and refused to negotiate with the striking drivers, he said.

Nizamuddin appealed to the government to intervene in the dispute and see that justice was done to 15,000 drivers and their families. He said 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 others.