Vietnam's Grab drivers call for boycott

The driver boycott against Grab in Vietnam reflects a growing tension between gig economy platforms and their workforce across Southeast Asia. While Grab states it is engaging with drivers, the core issue of income sustainability for drivers remains a critical challenge. The reported 50 percent deduction rate, if accurate, leaves drivers with extremely low net earnings, making it difficult to cover operational costs and living expenses in Vietnam. This situation in Vietnam points to the precarious balance ride-hailing companies must strike between profitability and driver welfare. For Grab, maintaining its market position in Vietnam, where it is a dominant player, depends on resolving these disputes without alienating its driver base. The risk for Grab is not just a temporary service disruption, but a long-term erosion of driver loyalty that could benefit competitors or lead to increased regulatory scrutiny across the region.