Mumbai: Ola, Uber Drivers Call Off Strike, Warn of Future Protests

Ola and Uber cab drivers in Mumbai have ended their three-day strike, though they have warned of resuming protests if their demands are not addressed. The strike, which also impacted other cities in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), was led by several driver unions, including the Indian Federation of App-based Transport Workers (IFAT).

IFAT President Prashant Sawardekar confirmed the temporary suspension of the strike and urged drivers to return to work. However, he cautioned that if the government fails to offer concrete solutions, the protest could be revived.

While a section of drivers and unions wanted to continue the agitation, the majority were concerned about income loss and agreed to give the state government some time to respond. Officials from Maharashtra’s transport department met with union representatives on Friday to discuss their concerns and encouraged them to end the protest.

Key meetings were held at Azad Maidan and Terminal 1 of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), the primary protest sites, where unions debated their next course of action.

Bharat Kalaskar, additional transport commissioner, told Hindustan Times that the department is actively working on implementing a policy for app-based cabs. He also mentioned that action is being taken against illegal bike taxis operating on city roads.