Drivers working with app-based cab and transport services such as Ola, Uber, Rapido and Porter are observing a nationwide strike today, February 7. They are calling the protest an “All India Breakdown” to highlight what they describe as “endless exploitation” and growing financial pressure on gig workers.
The strike includes drivers of autos, cabs, bike taxis and goods transport vehicles linked to various aggregator platforms. Several drivers’ groups and labour unions have extended their support to the protest.
Why Drivers Decided to Go on Strike
In a letter sent to Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, drivers’ unions explained the main reason behind the strike. They said there is no government-regulated fare system for drivers working with platforms like Ola, Uber, Rapido, Porter and other aggregators.
According to the unions, these companies fix fares “unilaterally”, leaving drivers with little control over their earnings. This system, they said, has led to “severe income insecurity, exploitation, and unsustainable working conditions for millions of transport workers”.
‘Endless Exploitation’, Say Unions
The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU), one of the groups leading the protest, shared its message on X. It said, “App-based transport workers across India will observe an All India Breakdown on 7 Feb 26. No minimum fares. No regulation. Endless exploitation.”
The union also urged the government to “act now”, claiming that millions of drivers are being pushed into poverty while app-based companies continue to make profits.
What Are the Drivers’ Main Demands?
The drivers’ demands are mainly based on the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025. They are asking the government to fully implement these rules.
One key demand is the appointment of a regulatory overseer. The unions said the 2025 guidelines talk about proper oversight to ensure fare transparency and protect drivers’ livelihoods, but these measures are yet to be enforced.
Demand for Minimum Base Fares
Another major demand is the notification of minimum base fares for app-based transport services. The unions want both the central and state governments to fix these fares after consulting recognised driver and worker unions, as mentioned in the 2025 guidelines.
They pointed out that minimum fares have been fixed in the past for other types of taxi services, and similar protection should be extended to app-based drivers.
Call to Regulate Use of Private Vehicles
The unions have also demanded a strict ban on using private, non-commercial vehicles for commercial passenger and goods transport. As an alternative, they have asked for mandatory conversion of such vehicles into commercial category vehicles to ensure fair competition and proper regulation.
No Immediate Response From Companies
So far, companies such as Ola, Uber, Rapido and Porter have not commented on the strike or addressed the concerns raised by the drivers.
Recent Protests by Gig Workers
This strike comes just weeks after app-based food and delivery workers went on strike on December 31, 2025. That protest ended after companies like Blinkit, Zepto and Swiggy Instamart stopped advertising “10-minute delivery” to reduce pressure on workers.
Gig workers’ issues have also been raised in Parliament. AAP MP Raghav Chadha spoke about their concerns in the Rajya Sabha, while Zomato and Blinkit founder Deepinder Goyal defended the companies’ policies.
With this nationwide strike, app-based transport workers are once again demanding stronger rules and government action to improve working conditions in the gig economy.