Cab drivers in the Chandigarh Tricity area continued protests Monday demanding fair regulations and protection from corporate exploitation by ride-hailing aggregators [1].
The demonstrations highlight a growing conflict between gig workers and global tech platforms over the financial viability of the driver-partner model. As drivers face increasing pressure from commission structures, the movement seeks to establish a legal framework for transparent pricing and sustainable wages.
Members of the Chandigarh Tricity Driver Union are protesting against high commission rates imposed by companies such as Ola and Uber [1]. The drivers are calling for the implementation of transparent policies to prevent what they describe as corporate exploitation [1, 2].
Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring joined the agitation to show support for the striking workers [1, 2]. Warring said the drivers are being exploited by the aggregators and called for a resolution that protects the livelihoods of those providing the service [1].
The protests span the Tricity region, which includes Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula [1]. Drivers in these areas have reported that the current business model favors corporate profits over the basic needs of the operators.
Warring's involvement brings political visibility to the dispute, signaling that the issue of gig economy labor rights is becoming a central point of contention in the region [1, 2]. The drivers maintain that without government intervention and strict regulation, the ride-hailing ecosystem will remain unsustainable for the workforce [1].
“Drivers are protesting against high commission rates and alleged corporate exploitation.”
This protest reflects a broader global trend of gig economy workers challenging the 'independent contractor' model. By aligning with political figures like Raja Warring, the Chandigarh Tricity Driver Union is attempting to shift the dispute from a private contractual disagreement to a public policy issue, potentially forcing the government to regulate commission caps and driver benefits.
