Yerevan, February 27 – Taxi drivers gathered today in front of the Yandex office in Yerevan to protest against what they describe as unfair practices and unresolved issues impacting their work. The demonstration, which began at 3:23 PM, saw drivers voicing several key grievances.
Key Demands and Issues Raised by Drivers
Mesrop Manukyan, a member of the Yerevan City Council, met with the protesting drivers and outlined their primary concerns, which he committed to discussing with Yandex representatives. The main issues highlighted include:
- Inaccurate Maps: Drivers report discrepancies between Yandex maps and reality, leading to fines and operational difficulties.
- Arbitrary Rating Reductions: Drivers are unable to understand why their ratings are artificially decreased, impacting their ability to secure rides.
- Lack of Communication: There is a significant communication gap, preventing drivers from contacting customers who have not paid for services.
- Suppression of Protest: Drivers actively participating in protests have allegedly been blocked from using the Yandex platform, which they view as a violation of their constitutional right to strike and seek redress for their grievances.
Manukyan emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “Beyond such problems, people are subjected to a total attack. The constitution stipulates that any worker has the right to strike, to restore their violated rights. Now these people have made that demand, after which an active protesting driver has been blocked, prevented from driving.”
Background of the Protest
This protest marks another instance of taxi drivers expressing their dissatisfaction with the working conditions and policies set by ride-hailing companies. The drivers assert that their constitutional rights are being infringed upon when they are penalized for engaging in lawful protest.
The issue of communication between drivers and service providers, as well as the transparency of rating systems, has been a recurring point of contention in the gig economy. Drivers rely heavily on their ratings and the accuracy of navigation tools for their livelihood, making these issues critical to their daily operations.
The involvement of a Yerevan City Council member, Mesrop Manukyan, suggests that the concerns of the taxi drivers are being elevated to a governmental level, potentially leading to a more formal dialogue with Yandex about these issues.
Impact on Drivers and the Service
The alleged blocking of protesting drivers from the platform highlights a broader debate about the rights of gig economy workers and the power dynamics between large technology companies and their independent contractors. Drivers argue that such actions stifle their ability to advocate for better working conditions and fair treatment.
The problems with inaccurate maps not only lead to financial penalties for drivers but also affect the efficiency and reliability of the service for passengers. Similarly, the inability to contact non-paying customers results in direct financial losses for the drivers.
The outcome of the discussions between Mesrop Manukyan and Yandex representatives will be crucial in determining the next steps for the protesting drivers and could set a precedent for how such disputes are handled in the future within the ride-hailing industry in Armenia.
The protest underscores the ongoing challenges faced by workers in the modern gig economy, where issues of fair compensation, transparent policies, and the right to organize remain central to labor discussions globally.
