Swarna Chakraborty, Pune
Taxi services at Pune Airport are poised for another disruption as drivers and owners have collectively decided to suspend their services on Monday, October 9th. Following a similar sudden walkout last Friday, this strike is expected to involve around 400 drivers, potentially inconveniencing passengers. The drivers will present their grievances to the Regional Transport Office (RTO).
Last Friday, drivers affiliated with Ola and Uber, the leading cab service providers at the airport, initiated an unexpected strike, citing concerns about comparatively low fares compared to autorickshaws. This unplanned action left approximately five thousand passengers stranded, with about 400 drivers participating in the protest.
The central issue in this labor dispute is the disparity in fares between cab and autorickshaw rides. Cab drivers argue that they receive only Rs 12 per kilometer, whereas autorickshaw drivers earn Rs 17 for the same distance.
Moreover, drivers claim that Ola and Uber impose higher commissions on their earnings. Despite providing both vehicle and passenger services, drivers assert that the ride-sharing platforms primarily focus on customer acquisition, leading them to levy higher commissions. Several drivers expressed their concerns anonymously, stating that this imbalance has significantly reduced their income.
The potential impact of this strike should be considered, as approximately 15,000 passengers transit through Pune Airport daily. About 100 cabs depart from Aeromall every hour to cater to these travelers. Given these numbers, an estimated five thousand passengers could face disruptions if the strike proceeds.