Auto-Taxi Strike: Why are Driver Unions in Delhi-NCR on Strike Today and Tomorrow?

New Delhi: The Delhi-NCR is likely to face transportation difficulties on Wednesday and Thursday (August 22 and 23) as auto and taxi drivers across the region will be going on strike. The unions are protesting against app-based cab services like Ola and Uber.

These protests come as the Unions have alleged that the central and state governments have not been able to provide any adequate compensation for them despite concerns being raised.

According to reports, as many as 15 unions are participating in the protests.

In a conversation with ANI, Delhi Auto Taxi Transport Congress union, Vice President RS Rathore said, "...The main reason for this is that the aggregator companies are running illegally. Our drivers are not getting enough rent...We have given a two-day call on August 22-23."

He further warned that if the government fail to pay attention to the matter then it might increase the intensity of the protest.

"If the government does pay attention to this, this might increase as well...Our demand is to shut down these private companies...," he added.

Earlier, Kishan Verma, President, of Delhi Auto Taxi Transport Congress Union said, “For several years, we have been writing to governments and departments about companies like Ola and Uber, but no one listens. These companies present their side, and the government presents its side, but these businesses operate as a game of donations, with the government also involved."

"We demand an end to this game. Employment for auto and taxi drivers, which is being affected or taken away, must be addressed. Private Ola and Uber taxis are involved in smuggling, and there is also trade in alcohol and drugs. To address these issues, we are going on strike. The organization has decided that on August 22 and 23, all auto and taxi services in Delhi NCR will be suspended," Verma added.