Auto union to go on strike for fare hike

Mumbai: Rickshaw drivers and owners in Mumbai and the rest of Maharashtra have threatened to go on strike if the government doesn’t agree to a fare hike, among other demands, by June 30. The Autorickshaw Drivers and Owners Association, a union, had initially decided to go on strike from July 9. However, in a meeting at Goregaon held on Sunday, which was attended by leaders from across the state, it decided to wait till the end of the month.

The union has demanded a minimum fare hike of `6 in accordance with the Hakim Committee report. At present, the minimum fare is Rs 18.

The union has claimed that though the government has formed a welfare board, it is not working and demanded that it be brought under the purview of the transport minister.

“We are paying nearly Rs 7,000 crore for the insurance. If that money goes to the welfare board, the government can use it

for benefits such as pension, PF and providing medical assistance for rickshaw owners and drivers,” said union leader Shashank Rao.

In the meeting, the union's action committee also decided to demand a reduction in the insurance amount on an immediate basis.

Another demand is that online cab aggregators such as Ola and Uber be prevented from operating transport services in the state.

“We also want a flying squad to stop illegal transport such as private buses which are running on the roads without any permission,” said Mr Rao.

The union will submit their demand to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and transport minister Diwakar Raote.

In the beginning of this month, the Mumbai Taximen’s Union, one of the largest unions of kaali peeli taxi drivers, demanded minimum travel fare of Rs 30 on an
immediate basis. It also threatened to launch an agitation if a decision wasn’t taken in this regard.

The union also sent a letter to Mr Raote demanding a minimum fare hike as CNG rates have increased. A. L. Quadros, general secretary of the union, said it would wait for 15 more days before launching an agitation.