While drivers in Kerala have resumed operations on platforms like Kerala Savari and Rapido, they continue a targeted offline strike against Uber, demanding fare revisions and lower commissions.

Key Takeaways

  • Drivers have resumed services on Kerala Savari and Rapido.
  • The 'offline strike' specifically targets Uber due to unresolved demands.
  • Demands include fare revision, lower commission rates, and an end to arbitrary ID blocking.
  • Approximately 30,000 drivers are involved in the agitation.

KOCHI: In a significant development for the mobility sector in Kerala, a large section of online taxi drivers has decided to maintain their 'offline strike' against the global aggregator Uber. While the All Kerala Online Drivers Union Alliance (AKODUA) and allied bodies have called off the strike for other platforms, the standoff with Uber remains unresolved.

The Core of the Dispute

The agitating drivers, numbering nearly 30,000, primarily operating in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, are seeking a fare revision aligned with government norms. They cite rising fuel costs and increased maintenance expenses as primary reasons for the demand. Furthermore, drivers have expressed frustration over the 'arbitrary' locking of their IDs based on customer feedback, which they claim lacks transparency.

Read Also:Jeetendra Bought Bharat Bhushan's Pali Hill Bungalow for ₹4.25 Lakh, Now Worth ₹450 Crore
The refusal to address commission rates over the last decade has pushed driver unions to take this drastic step of platform-specific boycotts.

Why This Matters: BozokMedia Analysis

BozokMedia analysis shows that this localized strike highlights a growing tension within the gig economy. As platforms scale, the gap between corporate profit margins and driver livelihoods widens. The decision to resume services on Kerala Savari and Rapido shows that drivers are not against technology, but rather against perceived unfair practices by dominant market players. This could set a precedent for how driver unions negotiate with global tech giants in India.

Historical Context

The struggle for fair wages and operational transparency in the ride-hailing industry is not new. Across India, driver unions have frequently protested against the high commission percentages taken by aggregators, often leading to temporary service disruptions in major metropolitan areas.

Did You Know?: The driver union is actively reaching out to non-member drivers to expand the boycott, aiming to create a unified front against aggressive commission structures.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I still book a taxi in Kerala?
Yes, services on apps like Kerala Savari and Rapido are operational. Only Uber services are currently affected by the strike.

2. What is the main reason for the strike?
The primary reasons are high commission rates, the need for fare revisions due to fuel costs, and unfair ID blocking practices.