Drivers in Chennai protest outside Ola office

They say cab aggregator is depriving them of incentives, and imposing stiff penalties on them for "unprofessional behaviour"

Around 100 drivers attached to cab aggregator Ola protested outside the company's office in Chennai on Tuesday, against the company's "unfair" schemes, alleging that it is imposing high penalties on them for 'unprofessional behaviour' without giving them a chance to explain.

Drivers gathered outside Ola's office at Ekattuthangal despite the rain. They claimed that around 500-600 people gathered to protest against company's schemes which have set high performance bars for its incentivisation.

Manikandan, who is the media coordinator for these protestors, also alleged that the schemes are forcing drivers to work longer hours and that often the apps often get switched off or the cars vanish from customers' apps. He said the company is doing this to deprive the drivers of incentives.

The protestors also alleged that the company is imposing penalties ranging between Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 for "unprofessional behaviour".

"They (Ola) are not giving us an opportunity to tell our side of the story. Many times we have asked them to put customers, who are complaining about the drivers, on a conference call, but they have not done," alleged Manikandan.

An Ola spokesperson responded to the allegations saying, "Driver partners on the Ola platform can seek support from our robust 24x7 partner care helpline or reach out to designated executives at our local offices." He claimed all transactions with driver partners are settled on a daily basis and issues resolved within 24-48 hours. He added that it is the company's endeavour to offer a seamless experience for customers and driver-partners at all times.