Uber, Ola & Rapido Strike: India’s gig economy is fraying at the edges on February 7, 2026, thousands of drivers for Uber, Ola and Rapido will go on strike in a nationwide protest they’ve labeled the “All India Breakdown.” This is not a one-day strike but a survival signal from the people underpinning urban transport with expect disruption in major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, where rides and deliveries could stall with over 8 million gig workers in the Indian transport sector-according to the NITI Aayog figure of 2022, which is expected to rise to 25 million by 2030 the protest shines a light into the dark corners of how the quest for corporate profits often happens at the cost of drivers’ livelihoods.
Uber, Ola & Rapido Drivers Set for Nationwide Strike on February 7
On February 7, drivers of the leading ride-hailing apps in India are coming together and it’s a significant mobilization, as indicated by reports like Outlook Business and more. But why are they doing this now? Fuel prices have increased by about 25% since 2023, as noted by data from the Petroleum Ministry while incentives from ride-hailing apps are no longer available. Indicatively, a study from ILO (2024) noted how about 70% of gig workers in India are earning less than Rs.15,000 a month, which is below the poverty line in urban areas of the country and if the strike materializes, the number of rides available daily could be halved in the biggest cities.
App-based gig workers, including auto drivers, to go off roads on February 7https://t.co/JcQJxpVIpM pic.twitter.com/fIZaWWkSOZ
— Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (@TGPWU) February 5, 2026
Gig Workers Raise Grievances Ahead of Nationwide Strike
Gig work promised freedom but delivered grind. Drivers used to chase big bonuses that made cabs feel light as air; now they wrestle with 25–40% commissions per ride. Ola’s own filings show ₹4,000 crore in commissions for FY24. With fuel at around ₹100 per liter and maintenance gobbling about 30% of earnings, a lot of drivers end up in the red. A 2025 Fairwork India report gave Uber and Ola an F for fair pay, noting that 85% of drivers log 10+ hours a day “for peanuts.” It’s a tough setup: platforms pull in billions—Uber India alone logged $2 billion in revenue in 2024—while drivers dodge potholes and pollution without any real safety net. This strike is the release valve for years of pent-up frustration.
Calls for Fair Minimum Wage Drive Gig Worker Protests
Drivers expect a simple and fixed rate per kilometer, something around ₹25-30 in cities. Currently, prices fluctuate as apps lower prices during demand surges and pocket the difference, hurting drivers. Earnings slip as the average daily income is now around ₹800-1,000 (2024 survey by Driver Union of 5,000 cabdrivers). For families in delhi, ₹1,500 is needed every day to survive (NSSO data). There is also the need for legal limits on commission levels at 10-15%. Evidence of this can be seen from Karnataka’s pilot in 2024, which saw 20% more income for drivers. Without a floor, there is risk of debt availability, with 40% of drivers owing banks on auto loans (CRIF High Mark report).
What are the Key Demands of Gig Workers Ahead of the Strike
The plea here is urgent bring the 2020 Social Security Code to life for provident fund, ESI health cover and accident insurance where Gig workers about 2.3% of India’s workforce, per PLFS 2024 are excluded from any of these benefits. Picture 14-hour shifts stuck in brutal traffic, then a crash that wipes out their savings with no gratuity and no pension to fall back on. They are also asking for life insurance ₹10 lakh and maternity benefits for their families. The government’s inaction hurts and only about 5% of gig platforms comply, according to a Labour Ministry audit and this strike is a call for enforcement, not more promises.
Are Gig Workers Protesting Against Arbitrary Deactivations?
Nothing gets riled up quicker than a surprise banning from an app and the algorithms zero in on “low ratings” from fictitious complaints, which can result in eradication from the system, 80% without a shot at appeal, as per a 2025 study by the Driver Rights Forum. A driver in Delhi lost earnings of ₹50,000 after a mistake, such as a glitch and struggled over months just to regain his account. They are demanding a 48-hour notice, a human evaluation system and clear algorithms, but not much can be done against daily fines from traffic infractions, ranging from ₹500 to ₹2,000, or every citizen hounding drivers with harassment potential, not to mention a “Gig Workers Charter,” which includes a right to appeal.
Will Ride Services Remain Operational?
No, ride services like Uber, Ola and Rapido will face major disruptions on Feb 7 with drivers offline for 6 hours during the ‘All India Breakdown’ strike varying by city and plan alternatives.
Which cities will be most affected by February 7 strike
Major metros will bear the brunt of the Feb 7 ‘All India Breakdown’ strike with app-based cabs, autos and bike taxis offline for 6 hours.
- Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru: High gig density means severe ride shortages.
- Hyderabad, Chennai: Led by TGPWU, strong union turnout expected.
- Kolkata, Pune: Widespread participation disrupting urban mobility.
Impact varies; smaller cities less hit and stock up on alternatives like metros or personal vehicles.
What is the Logical Indian’s Perspective on the Gig Workers’ Strike?
At The Logical Indian, we stand in support of the February 7 drivers strike where Uber and Ola have started taking advantage of 30% commissions just as fuel prices increase, leaving drivers with peanuts after 12-hour shifts. Fairwork 2024 demands a fair wage of ₹25 per kilometer, proper insurance and safeguards against arbitrary deactivation with time for regulated dignity, not gig-profit at any cost.
