While most auto, taxi unions called off the proposed 3-day strike, Mumbai Auto Rickshaw Mens’ Union — the largest auto union led by Sharad Rao’s son Shashank — has decided to forge ahead with its planned strike today
Most auto and taxi unions, after their meeting with the transport commissioner on Sunday, called off their proposed 3-day strike, but not all. Of the 12 participating unions, Mumbai Auto Rickshaw Mens’ Union — the largest auto union led by Sharad Rao’s son Shashank — has plans to forge ahead with its planned strike on Wednesday.
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As mid-day had reported on Sunday, they claim that it is not just about Uber and Ola, but a multitude of other reasons. “We are 100 percent going on a strike on August 31. Majority of the autos shall remain off road, baring the illegal ones — in Bandra east, Kurla and Kandivli— that continue to ply,” said Rao.
Other issues list
The union claims that apart from the free rein to Uber and Ola cabs, there are issues of point-to-point bus and tourist cabs operating on both Western and Eastern Express Highways, need for government schemes for auto drivers and lack of action against illegal rickshaws on road.
Government response
Sources in the government said that they have asked private buses to operate and ferry people on Wednesday. Moreover, the BEST Undertaking will be running additional buses on road. “We have asked all the depot managers to run additional buses,” said a BEST official. These buses will be operating depending on the crowd in any particular area, especially commercial and office hubs.
Also Read: Good News: Auto-taxi unions call off strike in Mumbai till Wednesday
Meanwhile, the officials from the transport department stated that they have called Rao for a meeting at 1 pm today to discuss the issues, despite previous reassurance on Sunday that an all unions’ meeting with transport minister Diwakar Raote has been penciled in for September 1.
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