Cab travel to Hyderabad airport disrupted over low fares, union calls for fair and uniform fare structure

Cab services to the international airport in Hyderabad was boycotted by Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU). The image is used for representative purposes only.
| Photo Credit: RAMAKRISHNA G

The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) has decided to intensify the boycott of cab services to the international airport in Hyderabad.

The move comes even as the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad issued an advisory cautioning passengers of a shortage of cabs on account of the boycott. “Passenger Advisory: Due to a protest by cab driver unions, a shortage of cabs is expected, leading to longer wait times,” the advisory reads.

Other travel options

The advisory also underscored that there were other travel options available and requested passengers to contact their transport help desk at the car park area near Aeroplaza.

According to TGPWU office bearer Shaik Salauddin, hundreds of cab drivers joined the boycott on account of what he said were low fares being imposed by ride hailing apps.

Despite repeatedly raising their concerns with the Telangana government, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, the Transport Department, aggregator companies, and GMR Airport authorities, no concrete action has been taken. The TGPWU is calling for urgent intervention to establish a fair and uniform fare structure that ensures decent wages and economic stability for gig workers.

Pricing model cuts into drivers’ earnings

The union stated that their members have time and again underscored the alleged unfair pricing model. This, he said, cuts into drivers’ earnings but also disregards their time and effort. “We urge the Telangana government, transport authorities, and GMR Airport to take immediate steps towards a fair pricing policy that benefits both drivers and passengers.”

Boycott is to negotiate better wages and working conditions

Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Salauddin said that neither the union nor its driver-members intend to inconvenience passengers. However, the move is a part of their efforts toward negotiating better wages, and working conditions.

He also stated that despite making representations to the government and aggregators, no concrete action has been taken. TGPWU is calling for urgent intervention to establish a fair and uniform fare structure.

Similar calls for a boycott was witnessed in Bengaluru. The Karnataka App-Based Workers Union too rued that ride hailing apps have been charging low fares, thus, affecting the livelihoods of drivers. According to a statement released to the media, the union demanded that the government come up with a uniform fare structure to ensure fair pay.