Foxconn’s new five-year rule to render several drivers jobless, many Kannadigas

Bengaluru

Foxconn’s newly proposed rule mandating five years of experience for drivers employed through empanelled travel agencies is likely to render hundreds of drivers jobless, raising serious concerns among the workforce. Travel agencies have pointed out that a significant portion of the driving workforce comprises Kannadigas, many of whom now face an uncertain future.

Foxconn, a Taiwanese manufacturing major, commenced operations on a 300-acre land parcel in Devanahalli between April and May 2025. Until now, there had been no stringent requirement regarding driver experience. Around four travel agencies had secured transportation contracts with the company, and operations had been proceeding smoothly without any disruptions.

However, with the company now planning to implement a mandatory five-year experience rule, the situation has taken a drastic turn. Agencies claim that the company has already begun enforcing the rule in phases. Drivers with one year to one and a half years of experience have been asked to step down, resulting in significant job losses. From a single travel agency alone, nearly 30 drivers have already lost their jobs.

Rajesh S (name changed), a driver speaking to blrpost.com, said “I have two years of experience and my head is set to roll next. So far 30 drivers from my agency were sacked citing a five year rule. Many drivers are Kannada-speaking individuals and have come to Bengaluru from across the rural part of Karnataka.”

He further alleged that certain lobbyists within the company are attempting to push travel agencies to recruit non-Kannadiga workers, particularly from Tamil Nadu, by enforcing this rule. According to him, drivers with even one year of experience are fully capable of adhering to the company’s safety norms, making the five-year requirement unnecessary and excessive.

Laxman (name changed), another driver, expressed similar concerns. He said that, for the time being, drivers with two years of experience appear to be safe. However, he warned that they too could soon come under pressure if the company proceeds to fully implement the rule in the coming days. He insisted that the company must reconsider and withdraw the decision.

Sources close to travel agency owners revealed growing discontent among contractors. They said “the owners are planning to meet Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and other concerned ministers to register a formal petition against Foxconn. If the company fails to act, we will take them headon.”

The development has triggered anxiety among drivers, particularly those from rural Karnataka, who had migrated to Bengaluru in search of stable employment. With livelihoods at stake, the coming days are likely to see heightened tensions between the workforce, agencies, and the company.