App-based drivers working with ride-hailing platforms like Ola, Uber, and Rapido are planning a nationwide strike on Saturday, with drivers saying they will stay offline for six hours in what they are calling an “All India Breakdown.”
The strike has been organized by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU), which represents app-based transport workers across the country, said reports.
In a social media post on Wednesday, the union said that drivers would log out of their apps from 7 February to protest “unfair pricing practices and weak regulation.”
Why Drivers Are Striking?
The union says that ride-hailing companies are still deciding fares on their own, despite the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, being in place.
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 TGPWU, the absence of government-set minimum fares has caused falling earnings and income uncertainty for drivers. They also said that allowing private vehicles to operate commercially creates unfair competition for licensed drivers who rely on app work for their livelihood.
Two Main Demands
The union has highlighted two key demands, with first being the immediate notification of minimum fares for app-based transport services, including cabs, autos, bike taxis, and delivery vehicles.
The union says these fares should be set in consultation with recognized driver unions and follow the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025.
The second demand is a strict ban on private, non-commercial vehicles being used for commercial rides. The union says this practice hurts licensed drivers and reduces earnings.
The strike comes just over a month after delivery workers protested low pay and harsh work conditions, including on December 31, one of the busiest days for platforms like Zomato, Blinkit, Zepto, Instamart, and Swiggy.
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 by the union said, “App-based transport workers across India will observe an All India Breakdown on 7 Feb 26. No minimum fares. No regulation. Endless exploitation.”
They 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 start meaningful discussions with worker representatives. The union has previously called for immediate government notification of minimum fares for platforms like Ola, Uber, Rapido, and Porter.
In its statement, TGPWU 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 protest, 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.”
Authorities have been urged to take the issue seriously and start dialogue with worker representatives, with the goal of fair and sustainable regulation for the app-based transport sector.
Gig Workers’ Struggles
The Economic Survey 2025–26, released on January 30, also highlighted income challenges for gig workers. It said around 40% of gig workers earn less than Rs 15,000 a month.
The survey noted that the number of gig workers grew to 1.2 crore in FY25 from 77 lakh in FY21, a rise of about 55%, thanks to wider smartphone use and digital payments. Gig work now makes up over 2% of India’s workforce and is growing faster than overall employment.
The survey recommended better competition rules and more transparency in algorithm-based decisions made by platforms, pointing to concerns over fees, decision-making, and worker protection.
With drivers planning to stay offline for six hours, ride-hailing services are expected to face disruptions in several cities on February 7. The strike highlights the growing frustration of app-based drivers over fares, regulation, and income security.
