Drivers ‘log out’ of Uber app in Mangaluru city

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Feb 12, 2017: Strike by drivers has hit the services of online taxi aggregator Uber in Mangaluru. At least 175 drivers, who serve Uber, have logged out of the app and have refused to provide service, according to Dakshina Kannada District Online Taxi Drivers and Owners Association.

Association honorary president B K Imthiaz told media  that drivers are on strike against frequent reduction in the rate paid to them by Uber. A meeting convened by the company on Friday failed to settle the issue.

"The services of app-based Uber taxi have been hit due to strike. Drivers have commenced an indefinite strike under the banner of Dakshina Kannada District Online Taxi Drivers Association from Wednesday against frequent reduction in payment rate in the past one year. The management representatives of the Uber had invited us for a discussion at their office in Karangalpady on Friday. However, we found the office was closed. Following this, drivers held a protest in front of the office too," Imthiaz said.

"The company has been promising that drivers can earn up to Rs 60,000 per month. However, we do not earn that amount and the company also is not paying incentives. Those drivers, who have taken loan from banks are now not in a position to repay it. Hence, the company should immediate solve the issue by fulfilling our demands," he demanded. Drivers do not get frequent trips as Uber has cut down the area of its jurisdiction.

Association president Jagaraj Rai, vice-president Hemanth Kodakkal, Munavvar Ali, general secretary Sadiq Kannur, joint secretaries Sathyendra Shetty, Nelson Ferao and others led the protest on Friday. Imthiaz said that the strike continued on Saturday with all drivers logging out of the Uber App.

Efforts to get the version of Uber management in Mangaluru by way of email and calls to their cell numbers and messages sent to the same remained unanswered at the time of filing this report.