Telangana autorickshaw drivers strike for fair fares and improved working conditions

The autorickshaw strike called by several workers unions had a partial effect with a few incidents of demonstrators blocking moving autos, being reported in some parts of the city on Thursday.

The Telangana State Motor Workers Association Joint Action Committee JAC), as a part of a larger, nation-wide strike, have been demanding better working conditions, increase in minimum fare, as well as per kilometre fare, and an end to app-based two-wheeler taxis.

Incidents of bike taxis being stopped were reported near the Basavaktarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital.

“I was on my way to work on an autorickshaw when we were stopped a few metres before the Indo-American Cancer Hospital. They told the driver that he should not work if he was affiliated to Rapido, and that he could do it independently. We could not move for a few minutes. When they got distracted we quietly left the place,” said Sanjay Kumar, a resident of Ameerpet.

Auto drivers and union leaders told The Hindu that they have been consistently demanding a hike in the minimum fare, and per kilometre fare even before the Congress government was elected to power. The last hike was in 2013, they said. They maintained that the Telangana government is yet to respond to these demands. They also stated that due to the closure of new registrations for autos within the city, people from other districts of the state have been moving into the city after registering their autos in those districts and ferrying passengers within city limits.

“Our strike was successful. The Telangana government is yet to take up our demands. We are not asking the government for employment. Auto drivers are struggling while applying for learners licenses. What else can they do?” said A Sathi Reddy, member of the JAC

Touching upon working conditions, unions demanded a welfare board for transport workers, including auto drivers. They also sought a reduction in fitness certificate fee.