Nationwide Ride-Hailing Strike Scheduled for February 7
Travel across India could face significant disruptions this Saturday, February 7, as drivers affiliated with major ride-hailing platforms including Ola, Uber, and Rapido have announced a coordinated nationwide strike. Dubbed the 'All India Breakdown,' this protest is expected to see a large number of drivers logging off their apps, drastically reducing the availability of cabs, auto-rickshaws, and bike taxis for commuters.
Organizers and Core Grievances
The strike has been organized by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union in collaboration with several national labor organizations. In a social media announcement, the union declared that app-based transport workers nationwide would observe the shutdown to protest what they describe as systemic issues: the absence of government-mandated minimum fares, a lack of regulatory oversight, and ongoing exploitation by platform companies.
The union explicitly stated, "App-based transport workers across India will observe an All India Breakdown on 7 Feb 26. No minimum fares. No regulation. Endless exploitation." This highlights the central frustrations driving the collective action.
Key Issues Leading to the Protest
In a formal letter addressed to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, the union outlined long-standing unresolved problems faced by gig workers in the transport sector. A primary concern is that ride-hailing platforms currently operate without any government-regulated fare structure. This allows companies like Ola, Uber, and Rapido to unilaterally set prices for auto, cab, and bike taxi services, which workers argue directly undermines their earnings and job security.
The union contends that this unregulated pricing model leads to unpredictable income, making it difficult for drivers to sustain their livelihoods reliably.
Formal Demands of the Striking Drivers
The protesting drivers have presented a clear set of demands to the government, referencing the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines of 2025, which advocate for regulatory oversight, transparent fare systems, and protections for driver welfare.
The demands include:
- Immediate notification and implementation of minimum base fares for all app-based transport services—including autos, cabs, bike taxis, and other aggregator services—by both central and state governments. The union insists that these fares must be finalized in consultation with recognized driver and worker unions, adhering to the 2025 guidelines.
- A strict enforcement of regulations banning the use of private, non-commercial vehicles for commercial passenger or goods transport. Alternatively, the union demands the mandatory conversion of such vehicles into the commercial category as required under the Motor Vehicles Act and the Aggregator Guidelines of 2025.
This strike underscores growing tensions within India's gig economy, highlighting calls for better labor protections and fair economic practices in the rapidly evolving digital transportation sector.
