- By Deeksha Gour
- Wed, 19 Mar 2025 08:11 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Bengaluru News: The Karnataka App-Based Workers Union (KAWU) has initiated a campaign to boycott airport trips offered by Ola, Uber and Rapido. The union claims that these companies have been setting unreasonably low fares, which adversely affects the livelihoods of cab drivers.
The Hindu report quoted KAWU as expressing frustration over the lack of action from the State government and the Transport Department, despite several requests for fair pricing. The union's statement emphasised the need for a standard fare structure to ensure that gig and platform workers receive adequate compensation for their work.
Inayath Ali, KAWU's founder president, stated that the current low fares undermine the drivers' time and efforts. He stated, “Our members have repeatedly raised concerns about these unfair fare structures. The government must act promptly to introduce a uniform fare policy that benefits both drivers and passengers.”
The boycott aims to halt airport rides until the fares are adjusted to more reasonable levels. The campaign will also work to inform passengers about the difficulties faced by gig workers and push for government regulation of aggregator pricing policies.
In separate news, the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union (TGPWU) has intensified its boycott of airport trips by Ola, Uber and Rapido, protesting low fares that harm driver livelihoods, particularly at Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. Over 52,000 drivers have joined the protest, demanding a uniform fare structure and government intervention. Despite repeated appeals to the Telangana government, Transport Department, aggregator firms and GMR Airport, no action has been taken. TGPWU seeks fair pay, pricing regulations, and public awareness about drivers’ financial struggles. The union urges authorities to act immediately and calls for solidarity in ensuring just wages and dignified work conditions.