The protest, titled the ‘All India Breakdown’, has been called by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) in coordination with various national labour groups.
Why Ola, Uber and Rapido drivers are striking Tomorrow: ‘All India Breakdown’ explained
New Delhi: Drivers linked to app-based ride-hailing platforms such as Ola, Uber and Rapido have announced a nationwide strike on Saturday, February 7, which could disrupt cab, auto and bike taxi services across several cities.
The protest, titled the ‘All India Breakdown’, has been called by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) in coordination with various national labour groups.
Sharing details of the strike on social media platform X, the union stated that app-based transport workers across the country would suspend services in protest against what they described as unfair fare practices and continued exploitation. The post highlighted concerns over the absence of minimum fares, lack of regulation and worsening working conditions for drivers.
Why are drivers protesting?
In a letter addressed to Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, the union said its long-pending demands remain unresolved. The key issue raised is the absence of a government-mandated fare structure for drivers operating autos, cabs and bike taxis through aggregator platforms such as Ola, Uber, Rapido and Porter.
According to the union, fare rates are currently decided by the companies themselves, leaving drivers with unstable earnings and little financial security. The letter noted that company-controlled pricing has resulted in falling incomes, increased exploitation and poor working conditions for millions of drivers.
The union has urged the government to intervene, alleging that while aggregator companies continue to earn profits, app-based drivers are being forced into financial distress.
