Auto rickshaw union announces 3-day strike from August 21 across Maharashtra

Sharad Rao-led union is holding Mahrashtra to ransom once more by stating that they will go on a three-day strike from August 21.u00a0

The 72-hour stir would be launched to demand speedy implementation of the tariff structure suggested by the Hakim committee, he said.

The joint action committee of auto unions, which has called the strike, has also demanded that the installation of electronic meters in autos should not be made mandatory.

The committee has also sought a status of "public servant" to auto drivers and owners.

Sharad Rao

Around 15 lakh auto drivers would participate in the strike, it said.

In the recent past, Rao has been announcing agitations and getting the state to meet his demands. Following a flash strike on September 20, 2011, the Rao-led union claimed unresolved issues and threatened another strike on April 16, 2012. After it got a Re 1 hike in base fare, Rao called off the strike.

Another agitation was scheduled for October 8 last year, following which the government agreed to constitute a new fare formula while increasing the fare by Rs 3 to Rs 15.

Rao's agitations coincide with examinations or monsoon to force the government to accept their demands by holding the commuters to ransom.