Cab drivers’ unions call statewide Uber boycott after firm seeks court protection

Angry cab drivers have been protesting in Pune, Mumbai, and Nagpur over fare structures and other issues on app-based platforms like Uber, Ola, and Rapido, and demanding better rates and more favourable terms.

However, the situation escalated when Uber filed an appeal in the Bombay High Court Tuesday, seeking protection from what it called “disruptive protests” by driver unions. The court granted urgent relief to Uber, restraining protesters from stopping or assaulting drivers and ordering police protection for the company’s operations.

The move has further angered cab driver unions, who see it as Uber’s refusal to engage in dialogue.
“When the state government, Pune’s Regional Transport Authority (RTA), and other stakeholders were actively working to solve the drivers’ demands, why has Uber appealed in the Bombay High Court? This shows Uber’s apathy towards cab drivers, so we have decided to boycott Uber,” said Varsha Shinde, a leader of the Maa Saheb Cab Sanstha.

Dr Keshav Kshirsagar, a leader of the Baghtoy Rickshawala union, said the decision “to boycott Uber is not sudden”. “This anger has built up over the years, when Uber didn’t listen to our demands, and they have done the same thing again by approaching the High Court, ignoring the cab riders.”
Kshirsagar added that around six lakh cab drivers across the state would gradually participate in the protest, and uninstall the Uber app.

Birudeo Palve, chairman, Maharashtra Tourist Taxi Sanghatana, said, “Approaching the court, which the other platforms could’ve done, Uber’s neglect towards riders is clear. So now, even if Uber increases their fare prices, we will not be onboarding their platform.”

Cab drivers in major cities, including Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, and Nagpur, have already started uninstalling the Uber app, according to union leaders.

The boycott is likely to impact daily commuters who rely on ride-hailing services. Rahul Jadhav, a resident of Wakad, voiced concerns. “Uber is usually the most preferred option, but now the decision to boycott it by riders will affect daily travellers like us. And it will be challenging initially to switch to other platforms like Ola, Rapido and others.”

While granting protection to Uber, the Bombay High Court noted there was “extreme and immediate urgency” in the matter. Justice Riyaz Chagla observed that protesters were allegedly threatening and stopping Uber drivers, preventing them from working, and even damaging vehicles.

The court’s order came after Uber’s lawyers presented evidence of threats, including photographs of vehicles with smashed windscreens and police notices warning against disturbing public order.
The high court scheduled the next hearing for August 6, but the cab drivers’ unions appear determined to continue their boycott regardless of legal proceedings.

(Shubham Kurale is an intern with The Indian Express)