Cab travel to Hyderabad airport disrupted over low fares, union calls for fair and uniform fare structure

Telangana Gig Workers Union intensifies boycott of cab services to Hyderabad airport over low fares by ride-hailing apps.

The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) has decided to intensify the boycott of cab services to the international airport in Hyderabad.

The move comes even as the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad issued an advisory cautioning passengers of a shortage of cabs on account of the boycott. “Passenger Advisory: Due to a protest by cab driver unions, a shortage of cabs is expected, leading to longer wait times,” the advisory reads.

The advisory also underscored that there were other travel options available and requested passengers to contact their transport help desk at the car park area near Aeroplaza.

According to TGPWU office bearer Shaik Salauddin, hundreds of cab drivers joined the boycott on account of what he said were low fares being imposed by ride hailing apps.

Despite repeatedly raising their concerns with the Telangana government, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, the Transport Department, aggregator companies, and GMR Airport authorities, no concrete action has been taken. The TGPWU is calling for urgent intervention to establish a fair and uniform fare structure that ensures decent wages and economic stability for gig workers.

The union stated that their members have time and again underscored the alleged unfair pricing model. This, he said, cuts into drivers’ earnings but also disregards their time and effort. “We urge the Telangana government, transport authorities, and GMR Airport to take immediate steps towards a fair pricing policy that benefits both drivers and passengers.”

Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Salauddin said that neither the union nor its driver-members intend to inconvenience passengers. However, the move is a part of their efforts toward negotiating better wages, and working conditions.