Autorickshaw drivers call for indefinite strike across Maharashtra from Tuesday

MUMBAI: Autorickshaw drivers have threatened to go on indefinite strike across Maharashtra from Monday midnight. The union leaders had previously issued a warning on June 9 and also served notice to state government a couple of weeks back, mentioning about the threat to go on strike.
Those protesting include over 4 lakh drivers who ply 2.12 lakh autos in Mumbai.The strike could hit commuters badly as the three-wheelers are in great demand and required during monsoon for travel.
The demands include ban on services of Ola and Uber, hikes in fares and police crackdown on illegal autos on roads. The unions demanded that the aggregator cabs should be allowed only if they fall under government regulation.
Shashank Rao, leader of the Autorickshaw Chalak Malak Sanghatana Sanyukt Kruti Samiti said that it was not just his city union, but several unions from Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, Aurangabad and other parts of state which were participating in the strike.
"It will be a major show of strength as all drivers are participating voluntarily,'' he stated.
He was upset that the state government, despite being sent a memorandum, notices and repeated reminders for the list of demands past one month, did not call union leaders for negotiations. "They are not bothered about welfare of autorickshaw drivers and will be held responsible for any inconvenience caused to public,'' he added.