“Ola, Uber, and Rapido Drivers Stage 6-Hour Strike Today: Here’s Why”

Ola, Uber, Rapido Drivers Stage 6-Hour Nationwide Strike Today

Gig workers on ride-hailing platforms Ola, Uber, and Rapido are going on a six-hour strike across India on February 7, calling it an “All India Breakdown.” Drivers plan to stay offline to protest low earnings, arbitrary fare rules, and weak regulation.

Why the Strike?
The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) says:

• Platforms continue to set fares arbitrarily despite the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025.
• No government-notified minimum fares have led to falling incomes and income uncertainty.
• Private vehicles used for commercial rides are creating unfair competition for licensed drivers.

The union warned: “Millions of drivers are pushed into poverty while aggregators profit. Govt silence equals platform impunity.” The strike aims to push the government for immediate action and dialogue.

Drivers’ Key Demands

Minimum base fares for all app-based transport services, set in consultation with recognized driver unions.

Ban on private vehicles for commercial passenger and goods transport to protect licensed drivers’ livelihoods.

Economic Context

• The Economic Survey 2025–26 highlighted that 40% of gig workers earn less than Rs 15,000 per month.
• The number of gig workers rose to 1.2 crore in FY25 from 77 lakh in FY21.
• The gig economy now makes up over 2% of India’s workforce and is growing faster than overall employment.
• The survey also called for stronger competition rules and more transparency in platform algorithms to ensure fair earnings.

With drivers staying offline for six hours, ride-hailing services are expected to face major disruptions in several cities, highlighting the growing frustration of app-based transport workers over fares, regulation, and income security.