Auto-taxi driver unions in Delhi have announced a strike on August 22 and 23, potentially causing difficulties in accessing railway stations, bus stops, and last-mile connectivity. An estimated four lakh taxis will not be on the roads due to the strike. Auto, taxi, and app-based cab services are expected to be heavily impacted.
Unions Announcing the Strike
The strike has been announced by over 15 major auto and taxi driver unions in Delhi-NCR, including the Taxi Driver Sena Union, Delhi Auto Three-Wheeler Driver Union, and Capital Tourist Driver Union. Over one lakh autos and four lakh taxis, including over one lakh cabs, will not operate. Additionally, striking drivers will stage a protest at Jantar Mantar on August 22.
Reason for the Strike
According to Kishan Verma, president of the Delhi Auto-Taxi Transport Congress Union, app-based cab services are causing financial losses for auto-taxi drivers, with cab companies charging hefty commissions. Verma claims that illegal bike taxis and e-rickshaws, allegedly operating with the collusion of the transport department and traffic police, are also severely affecting taxi drivers' livelihoods.
Moreover, the state government's failure to curb arbitrariness has left auto-taxi drivers with no choice but to go on strike.
