Hyderabad cabbies boycotting airport trips: What’s behind the protest?

HYDERABAD: A sudden boycott by Telangana Gig and Platform Workers' Union (TGPWU) of airport trips on major ride-hailing platforms left passengers stranded at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA). TGPWU said the boycott was over alleged unfair earnings by platforms and working conditions of ride-hailing drivers.
"Drivers are struggling to make ends meet. Until the platforms ensure fair pay, we will not take airport trips," said Sheikh Salauddin, president of the union.
With app-based taxis unavailable, many travellers had no choice but to rely on private taxi operators, who reportedly took advantage of the situation by charging exorbitant fares, shared distressed passengers.
Passengers arriving late at night or in the early hours were the worst affected, as public transport options were limited. "I landed at 1am and I couldn't find a single cab," said a passenger from Delhi. "I had no choice but to take a private cab, which charged me 1,100 for a ride to Banjara Hills."
For students and budget travellers, the situation was even more distressing. A postgraduate student from Bengaluru, found herself stuck for hours. "I kept refreshing my app, hoping a driver would accept my request, but no one did. Finally, a private taxi driver agreed to drop me at Ameerpet for 1,300 - way beyond my budget," she said.
These passengers shared that they had the option of the Pushpak bus, which charges a lesser amount; however, due to increased demand, the bus was not enough to accommodate the crowd.