"We Will Go On Strike From Aug 1 If...," Says Auto, Taximen Union

In order to press their various long pending demands furthermore, the Mumbai Taximen Union has announced a strike on Monday, August 1, 2022.

According to the biggest union of kaali-peelis in Mumbai comprising of nearly 50,000 operators, they have written to the government requesting them for a minimum fare hike; however, it has always been neglected.

This demand is said to be a counter-revolution of the increase in prices of CNG. Apart from this, kaali-peeli union had suggested to the government to avoid a fare hike by reducing CNG rates.

Besides, over 2.5 lakh autorickshaw, taxi owners and operators in the Konkan division of Maharashtra will go on an indefinite strike from midnight of July 31 to press for their various pending demands. The Konkan division comprises Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts.

Taximen have demanded a INR 10 hike in fares - from minimum INR 25 to INR 35. A few autorickshaw unions said they will wait for the government to hike fares till July 31, failing which they too may support the taximen's strike.

On the other hand, the auto unions are expecting a fare hike of INR 3 in minimum fare - from INR 21 to INR 24.

Sources said that MMRTA (Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority) may hold a meeting this week to decide on whether to give a fare hike to autos and taxis in Mumbai.