We Can’t Afford To Go On Strike, Say Auto Drivers

Hyderabad, Oct.19 (Maxim News): Though the leaders of different auto-rickshaw Unions gave for a call to auto drivers to participate in today’s bandh, large number of autos were seen plying on the roads and carrying passengers, as usual. Many of the auto drivers stated that they cannot afford to go on strike, because of their economic conditions.

The auto-rickshaw Union leaders gave the call for auto bandh today, to extend their solidarity with the striking RTC employees who are on strike for the past 14 days. The bandh had little effect on the passengers, as the auto drivers, at least majority of them, have ignored the bandh call and operated their autos as usual. Many auto drivers said that going on strike even for a day results in starvation of their family members and hence they cannot afford to follow the call given by the leaders.

Some of the auto drivers said that they were afraid of attacks by some sections of people who were championing the cause of RTC employees. Even then they opted to run the autos because of the threat of starvation of their families. (Maxim News)