Drivers associated with cab aggregators Ola and Uber started a fundraiser on Sunday, urging members of the public to donate Re 1 towards “paying off the ruling party” in Karnataka so that it listens to their problems.
“It has been five days since we launched the protest. The companies has deserted us and the government says it can’t interfere. We want the government to intervene. We hear politicians contribute to their party fund for favours. Maybe they will listen to us if we also pay up,” said the convener of a drivers’ union.
The fundraiser was held on MG Road and in UB City. Drivers held placards that read, “We are not beggars. We are Ola, Uber drivers. Please donate money for making payments to the government.”
A driver who took part in the campaign said, “Many people offered us money saying they prefer to ride with Ola and Uber instead of haggling with auto drivers.”
Both Ola and Uber have been trying to persuade the drivers to return to their platforms. Ola has fulfilled some of their demands — scrapping the Rs-500 fine for cancelled rides and increasing the incentives.
Uber released an audio message on social networking sites assuring the drivers of “full security”. “We have brought to the notice of the authorities the assault on our driver-partners who chose to work defying the strike,” the message said.
After mobs damaged and threw eggs into the cars of cabbies who did not take part in the strike, leaders of several unions have been reaching out to drivers, requesting them to avoid violence. The strike will go on for two more days.
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