Thousands of e-hailing cab drivers are embarking on a stay-away today until Wednesday, as they protest for better services.
The Western Cape E-hailing Association, which represents an estimated 7000 drivers, says this is their way of voicing concerns surrounding safety. The aggrieved drivers are also calling for compensation for injuries, death and funeral benefits and for app companies to ask for less commission, in order for drivers to take home more money. WCEA chairperson Siyabonga Hlabisa explains:
“These companies, they never consider our grievances. It’s very simple with any business. When the times comes, you have to increase your prices when the price of petrol goes up and food prices go higher, but these companies never done that for us. This business is already busy dying slowly.”
He adds the safety of drivers is a key issue:
“It is concerning to note that despite various attempts to highlight the plight of drivers, very little has been done by the authorities in apprehending and prosecuting the mindless criminals who are targeting poor drivers daily.”
Passengers are advised to make alternative transport arrangements.
These are their demands:
- End to unilateral & unfair deactivations/dismissal of drivers.
- Reviewing all new app features, including Trip radar.
- Drop in commission by APP companies to 15% and improved equitable pricing structures.
- Compensation for injury on duties and improved safety for drivers & screening of riders.
- Death/Funeral benefits
The protest action concludes tomorrow.
READ: E-hailing drivers plan stay-away amid spate in violence
