Cab drivers seek withdrawal of strike ban at Bhogapuram airport

The Visakha Cab Drivers’ Union and the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) have demanded the immediate withdrawal of G.O. Rt. No. 330, under which the State government declared app-based cab aggregators, radio taxis and other cab services operating at the upcoming Bhogapuram International Airport as essential services and prohibited strikes for six months, from June 5 to December 4, 2026.

Addressing a general body meeting of cab drivers at Visakhapatnam Airport on Friday, the union’s honorary president, B. Jagan, alleged that the order violated workers’ constitutional right to organise protests and go on strike. Invoking the Essential Services Maintenance Act to suppress workers’ movements was undemocratic, he said.

The union demanded a revision of cab fares in line with the increase in petrol, diesel and CNG prices, abolition of radar trips, establishment of local offices in Visakhapatnam by Ola, Uber and Rapido, and a minimum income guarantee for drivers.

It also urged the government to frame rules under the Motor Vehicles Act in consultation with driver and labour organisations, alleging that repeated representations to Ministers and officials had gone unheeded.

Warning of intensified protests, the union said it would organise a bandh by cab drivers and launch an agitation if the government failed to withdraw the G.O., notify the Motor Vehicles Act rules and address the grievances of app-based cab drivers.