Ride-hailing app drivers go on strike over long-standing demands

AMMAN — Ride-hailing application drivers are on a strike against “unkept promises”. 

The strike has led to price increases for customers, with almost 30 per cent of ride-hailing application drivers participating in the strike, according to a ride-hailing application drivers’ union statement. 

“The main issue we face is that companies are not complying with the Land Transport Regulatory Commission (LTRC)’s decisions, especially, the commission’s pricing strategy,” Lorance Refa’i, president of the Ride-hailing Application Drivers’ Union told The Jordan Times. 

“The LTRC is doing their best to help drivers get what they want,” Abla Weshah, the LTRC spokesperson, told The Jordan Times.

Refa’i added that drivers have been demanding the commission for months to interfere and resolve their problems with their companies, “but unfortunately, every time we leave the commission empty handed”, said Refa’i. 

“Almost 4,000 ride-hailing drivers have lost their jobs and are now ‘dragged into courts’ due to accumulated debt,” Refa’i added. 

Refa’i stated that the union has suspended “so many strikes” due to many government promises, but none have been delivered. 

“The operating company deducts 4per cent under ‘what they call a government tax’, however, the ride-hailing application drivers are exempt from paying taxes,” Refa’i highlighted. 

Meanwhile, Weshah stated that drivers can report any violation to the LTRC and the commission will take all necessary action if a violation occurs. 

Refa’i stated that drivers have an ongoing problem with determining the operational age of a car. 

“Cars manufactured in 2015 got one year of extended operational age, meanwhile, 2016 have to be written-off,” Saleh Jalouq, president of the Jordanian Car Rental Association, told The Jordan Times. 

Meanwhile, Weshah stated that the operational age is now being determined by the Bureau of Opinion and Legislation.

“Almost 13,000 individuals rely on the income from ride-hailing applications and consider it their primary income,” Refa’i added.