Why Ola, Uber and Rapido drivers are going on a 6-hour strike tomorrow
The strike has been called by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union, also known as TGPWU. The union represents app-based transport workers operating on platforms such as Ola, Uber and Rapido.
Gig workers linked to ride-hailing platforms such as Ola, Uber and Rapido have announced a nationwide strike tomorrow. Drivers plan to remain offline for six hours as part of an action they are calling an 'All India Breakdown'.
The strike has been called to demand government intervention on minimum fares and tighter rules on the use of private vehicles for commercial rides.
The strike has been called by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union, also known as TGPWU. The union represents app-based transport workers operating on platforms such as Ola, Uber and Rapido.
In a social media post shared on Wednesday, the union said app-based transport workers across the country would log out of ride-hailing apps for six hours on February 7 to protest against what it described as unfair pricing practices and weak regulation.
WHY DRIVERS ARE PROTESTING
The union said that aggregator platforms continue to decide fares on their own, even though the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025 are already in place.
In its post, the union said, “Despite Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, platforms continue to fix fares arbitrarily. Our demands are clear: Notify minimum base fares. End misuse of private vehicles for commercial rides.”
According to the union, the lack of government-notified minimum fares has resulted in falling earnings for drivers and rising uncertainty around income.
It also said the use of private vehicles for commercial transport has created unfair competition for licensed drivers who depend on app-based work for their livelihood.
ALL INDIA BREAKDOWN ANNOUNCEMENT
While announcing the strike on X, the union used strong language to describe the situation faced by app-based drivers across the country.
The post said, “App-based transport workers across India will observe an All India Breakdown on 7 Feb 26. No minimum fares. No regulation. Endless exploitation.”
It further added, “Millions of app-based drivers are pushed into poverty while aggregators profit. Govt silence equals platform impunity.”
The union said the strike was meant to push the government to act and begin meaningful engagement with worker representatives.
Earlier, the TGPWU issued a detailed statement appealing to the government for immediate notification of minimum base fares for aggregator platforms such as Ola, Uber, Rapido and Porter.
In the statement, the union said, “In the absence of government-regulated fare structures, aggregator companies continue to unilaterally fix fares. This has led to severe income insecurity, exploitation, and unsustainable working conditions for millions of transport workers.”
Explaining the reason for the strike, the union added, “As a mark of protest against continued policy inaction and to assert our legitimate demands, app-based transport workers across the country will observe an All-India Breakdown on 7 February 2026.”
The union also urged authorities to treat the issue with seriousness and begin immediate dialogue with worker representatives. It said the aim was to move towards fair, lawful and sustainable regulation of the app-based transport sector.
KEY DEMANDS OF THE UNION
The union has raised two main demands.
The first demand is the immediate notification of minimum base fares for app-based transport services, including autos, cabs, bike taxis and other aggregator-based services. The union has said these fares should be finalised in consultation with recognised driver and worker unions and should follow the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025.
The second demand is a strict ban on the use of private, non-commercial vehicles for commercial passenger and goods transport. According to the union, this practice harms licensed drivers and worsens income pressure in the sector.
The planned strike comes just over a month after delivery and quick commerce workers protested against low pay and working conditions. On December 31, considered one of the busiest days for platforms such as Zomato, Blinkit, Zepto, Instamart and Swiggy, delivery workers raised concerns over earnings and work pressure.
WHAT THE ECONOMIC SURVEY SAID ABOUT GIG WORKERS
The Economic Survey for 2025–26, released on January 30, also flagged concerns around gig worker incomes. The Survey said that while India’s gig economy was expanding rapidly, income instability remained a key issue.
It pointed out that around 40% of gig workers earned less than Rs 15,000 a month.
The Survey also noted that the number of gig workers rose to 1.2 crore in FY25 from 77 lakh in FY21, marking a growth of about 55%. This rise was driven by wider smartphone use and the spread of digital payments.
The gig economy now accounts for over 2% of India’s total workforce and is growing faster than overall employment. The Survey also recommended stronger competition rules and greater transparency in algorithm-driven systems used by digital platforms, citing concerns around fees, decision-making and worker protection.
With drivers planning to stay offline for six hours, ride-hailing services are expected to be affected in several cities on February 7. The strike reflects growing frustration among app-based transport workers over fares, regulation and income security, as unions continue to push for clearer rules and government action.