Electric taxi drivers in southern Vietnamese province strike over company policies
Thursday, January 02, 2025, 15:02 GMT+7
Electric taxi drivers in Ca Mau Province, southern Vietnam have been on strike over the past two days in light of a series of controversial new company policies.
Pham Hoang Nho, a driver for Bao Gia Ca Mau Joint Stock Company, which operates Nam Thang Ca Mau electric taxis, joined about 100 of his colleagues in demanding changes to the company’s policies after a meeting with its director ended abruptly.
The director, Ho Hoang Anh, reportedly concluded the meeting after just 15 minutes.
In a 37-second video posted to social media, a lawyer can be seen explaining employees’ rights while Anh suddenly stands up, bangs on the table, and yells, “Let me cut it short! If you are not willing to continue your work, then the meeting is dismissed.”
Over 100 of the company's employees responded to Anh’s outburst by going on strike.
The meeting was originally held to discuss a new company policy that requires drivers to pay the charging fees for the electric taxis.
Contracted drivers have raised concerns about unfair terms, including requirements to drive over 24,000 kilometers before receiving vehicle maintenance, even as some vehicles show signs of corrosion and tire damage.
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| A screenshot of the video capturing the abrupt meeting between Ho Hoang Anh, director of Bao Gia Ca Mau Joint Stock Company, and over 100 electric taxi drivers |
Another grievance involved the company’s revenue targets.
Drivers were required to generate VND28 million (US$1,100) in revenue to earn a monthly salary of VND8 million ($314), a goal many found difficult to achieve in a quiet province like Ca Mau where nearly 200 electric vehicles compete with other gasoline-powered taxi services.
This high target forced many drivers to work long hours, leading to concerns over unsafe driving practices.
Some cabbies also reported being uninsured despite the company’s contractual obligations to provide insurance.
Many drivers were frustrated by the lack of two-way auto body insurance for many vehicles, leaving them liable for incidents.
Anh refused to directly address the issues to Tuoi Tre, responding to a request for comment with “I’m on a business trip, not at home. There’s no problem, just some agitators. I’m out of town and don’t know when I’ll be back, so I can’t meet you.”
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