As Hyderabad begins to feel the brunt of summer, a different kind of heat is rising on the streets—a protest for dignity and fair wages.
From today, cab drivers working with platforms like Ola, Uber, and Rapido have started a ‘No AC Campaign’ across the city. Their message is simple: if the system won’t pay fairly, they won’t burn fuel at a loss.
Led by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union (TGPWU), the protest calls out the unfair pricing structures and rising fuel costs that make it nearly impossible for drivers to sustain a living.
Why No AC?
Activating the air conditioner increases fuel costs, often to ₹16–18 per kilometre, while drivers only earn ₹10–12 per kilometer. With up to 30% commissions going to the aggregators, what’s left barely covers the basics.
“We’re not against passengers—we’re against exploitation,”
said Shaik Salauddin, President of TGPWU.
Protest with Purpose
The campaign is not just symbolic. Drivers are urging the government to implement regulated fare structures—similar to prepaid taxis—that reflect real operational costs like fuel, maintenance, and service hours.
Some drivers are even preparing to surrender their vehicles to the Road Transport Authority (RTA) as a sign of protest.
How Will Passengers Be Affected?
If you’re booking a cab in Hyderabad, expect a ride without air conditioning unless you voluntarily tip the driver for the added cost. TGPWU has appealed to riders to support drivers by understanding their financial challenges.
This protest raises critical questions about the gig economy’s exploitative model, especially during climate extremes like summer. It’s not just about air conditioning—it’s about a system that pushes essential workers into debt while tech platforms rake in profits.
