App-based cab drivers in Bengaluru to boycott airport trips

The Karnataka App-Based Workers Union (KAWU) has announced a campaign to boycott airport trips facilitated by Ola, Uber, and Rapido. According to the union, the aggregator companies have been imposing low fares on cab drivers, persistently impacting their livelihoods severely and the decision comes in response to this.

A release from KAWU alleged that despite repeated representations to the State government and the Transport Department urging uniform and fair pricing for aggregator services, no decisive action has been taken. “KAWU demands that the government immediately establish a uniform fare structure to ensure fair pay and sustainable livelihoods for all gig and platform workers,” the release said.

Inayath Ali, founder president of KAWU, said the low fares devalued the time and effort of the drivers. “Our members have consistently voiced their grievances about exploitative fare structures. These low fares not only compromise driver earnings but also devalue their time and efforts. The government must take immediate steps to implement a uniform fare policy that is fair to both drivers and passengers,” he said.

According to the release, the campaign will aim to boycott airport trips until fares are revised to reflect fair and sustainable levels, raise awareness among passengers about the challenges faced by gig and platform workers, and demand immediate government intervention to regulate and standardise aggregator pricing policies.