Pathao started its operation in Nepal on 27 September 2018. Since then, the company has expanded its market in different sectors. Pathao Nepal is currently operating as a ride-sharing and food delivery company.
The company provides easy employment for bike riders. However, it charges a 20 percent commission on the ride. Because of this, the riders laid down an 11-point notice on 21 December. And after seven days, the riders vandalized Pathao’s central office.
Pathao Nepal employees demanded to decrease the commission policies. The bikers wanted it to be eight percent, but the company wanted to resolve the issue through insurance and treatment fees.
Pathao is a Bangladesh based company that is currently available in Nepal. Credit: Pathao.
What do Pathao riders say?
The riders are not satisfied with the company because a relative amount of their gain goes to its account. As a multinational company, Pathao cannot implement a different rule in Nepal; that’s why the bikers were furious a few days back. Employees vandalized the office, few window panes were broken, and the police arrested 26 people.
Sugam (nickname) says, “I am not satisfied with the company’s rules because neither it takes care of us, nor it lowers the commission margin.” He adds, “I am thinking to shift in Tootle, at least it is a Nepali company.”
In Kathmandu, Pathao’s rival is another ride-sharing app – Tootle. Numerous Pathao employees left the company and joined Tootle because of better policies. However, the company also takes equivalent to 20 percent fare from the riders.
Madhav, a Pathao rider, was parking his bike near Newroad, Kathmandu. The Tribune asked him about his monthly earnings — which he refused to answer. However, he estimated the salary is between 30-40 thousand. Madhav added, “If the commission goes down, it would be better for all of us because we never hesitate to work on cold nights or sunny days; we work hard.”
A Twitter user has explained the issue in detail.
I spoke to five pathao riders. Speaking with more soon. Most of them are hurt, dejected, and feel that a company that profits of their labor have been exploiting them. Here are some of their concerns with explanation.
— Sandesh Ghimire (@nepalichimney) December 31, 2020
What is Pathao’s opinion?
Pathao has released an official statement on 28 December concerning the matter. It says, “The company is serious for both riders and passengers, both will receive insurance up to Rs. 500,000 in case of death or disability, and Rs. 100,000 in the case of an accident.”
Pathao is the biggest ride-sharing company in Nepal. According to the company, there are a total number of 75,000 riders and 1.2 million customers. A big company like Pathao should not cheat their employees; moreover, after this rule, it is expected to ride safer for both passengers and the riders.
However, employees say the company does not care about them, as mentioned in the terms and conditions. The case of Injol Shrestha, a Pathao passenger, was viral on social media a few months back. When he was returning from Baneshwor to Kumaripati, his Pathao ride collided with another bike. Injol was severely injured and taken to a hospital.
He tried to contact Pathao for the treatment expenses, but nobody answer Injol’s call. The Record reports, he has since spent Rs. 150,000 on his treatment, but the office refused to help, saying they were not liable for any damages.
In Injol Shrestha’s case, the company has not released any statement. For such cases, the company must speak. It will help to maintain a good image for the passengers. Pathao should care about their employees; otherwise, people always search for another option.
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