A section of Karwa taxi drivers operating from the Hamad International Airport (HIA) are staying away from duties, apparently in protest against the installation of sensor-aided digital GPS equipment in their cars.
It is understood  that the new equipment would help the company apprehend those tampering with taxi meters. The installation of the new equipment comes in the wake of  reports of some drivers frequently tampering with taxi meters, for their advantage.
There have been reports of verbal arguments involving drivers and customers, over the issue of fares and many attribute this to the tampering of meters. However, some drivers claim that they are forced to resort to such practices, to ensure that they got some money for their maintenance after their duties.
While the drivers are required to remit QR265/day, as per their contracts with the company, it is understood that many of them are unable to reach the target, owing to both lack of patronage from the public as well as the perennial traffic congestion on the city roads.
Inquiries with Karwa supervisors at the Airport revealed that only a small section of drivers are staying away from their work. However, other drivers have complained that those protesting the move, are also forcing them to stay away from duties.
Meanwhile, a major chunk of drivers at Karwa franchisee, Al -Ijaara, are also on strike for the last few days, in protest against the company’s decision to increase their monthly targets.
The strike has reportedly hit the company’s taxi operations heavily. Until a few weeks ago, the drivers had to remit a little over QR8,000 to claim their commissions besides their monthly salary. However, recently the drivers were told that they had to remit QR11,000 a month, as part of their revised contract.
The decision came as a rude shock to drivers, who were already complaining against the `unattainable’ target. As per the  new decision, a driver needs to remit a minimum of  QR365/ day to make them eligible for the commission, it is understood. Officials from
Al Ijaraah were unavailable for comment.

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