Delhi government calls meeting of Ola, Uber representatives with drivers

NEW DELHI: The Delhi government has decided to call a meeting of cab drivers and Ola and Uber representatives on Thursday as members of the striking union today staged a protest outside the residence of Transport Minister Satyendar Jain.

The availability of Uber and Ola cabs has increased in Delhi-NCR even as the strike called by Sarvodaya Drivers Association of Delhi (SDAD) entered its 12th day.

SDAD vice-president Ravi Rathore said that drivers will not call off their strike till their demands are addressed by both app-based cab aggregators.

After the protest, striking drivers met transport department officials following which it was decided that government would arrange a meeting between striking drivers and Ola and Uber representatives on Thursday.

"In the meeting, government has made it clear that it will not play the role of a mediator between striking drivers and Uber and Ola representatives.

"Government cannot force both app-based aggregators to accept all demands. We will just provide a platform between both companies and drivers where the latter could be able to raise their issues," a senior government official said.

Earlier in the day, hundreds of striking drivers carried out protest march from North Delhi's Majnu-ka-Tila area to the Transport Minister's residence in Civil Lines.

"In Thursday's meeting with Ola and Uber representatives, we will strongly raise all our issues before them," Rathore said.

The drivers had called the strike demanding an increase in fares from the existing Rs 6 per km and also removal of the 25 per cent commission the cab aggregators charge them on every booking.

The drivers have also been protesting against the lack of basic amenities like insurance and medical cover by these app-based cab services.