Ola, Uber Drivers Strike Nationwide: Gig Workers Demand Fair Pay & Protections
Karnataka Praised for First Gig Worker Law as Protests Spread
On February 7, 2026, app‑based transport workers across India — including drivers from Ola, Uber, Rapido, Porter and delivery partners from Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, Zepto — staged a day‑long nationwide strike. The protest, called by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) and the Indian Federation of App‑Based Transport Workers (IFAT), highlighted falling incomes, rising costs, and what unions described as “deepening exploitation” by platform companies.
Why the Strike Happened
- Minimum Base Fares: Workers demand enforcement of Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, which mandate consultation with unions before fare fixation.
- Unilateral Pricing: Aggregators allegedly fix fares without regulation, forcing drivers to work longer hours for less pay.
- Panic Button Costs: Drivers face financial hardship due to repeated changes in approved panic button devices, costing up to ₹12,000 per replacement.
- Illegal Bike Taxis: Unions flagged safety concerns and denial of insurance benefits in accidents involving unlicensed bike taxis.
Voices from the Ground
- Shaik Salauddin (TGPWU & IFAT): “Governments have failed to act, enabling platforms to deepen exploitation.”
- Dr Keshav Kshirsagar (Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha): Strike received support across Maharashtra, though some taxis remained available on apps.
- AAP MP (to ANI): “Gig workers are the backbone of billion‑dollar unicorns, yet they remain the most oppressed group in this ecosystem.”
Political Engagement
- A delegation of gig workers met Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi to press for central legislation.
- Salauddin praised Karnataka for being the first state to enact a comprehensive gig worker law.
- Workers urged Congress governments in states to act promptly on election promises.
Background of Gig Worker Protests
- Dec 31, 2025: Delivery workers staged a shutdown during peak hours over low wages and lack of social security.
- Feb 7, 2026: Nationwide strike by app‑based taxi and autorickshaw drivers, coinciding with gig worker protests.
- Recurring Theme: Calls for statutory protections, fair wages, and regulation of aggregator platforms.
What Workers Want
- Statutory Law: Social security schemes are not enough; workers want enforceable legal protections.
- Fair Base Fares: Transparent fare fixation with union consultation.
- Insurance Coverage: Protection for victims of accidents involving app‑based vehicles.
- Financial Relief: End to repeated panic button device changes.
Trending Queries Around Ola Uber Strike 2026
- Why did Ola and Uber drivers strike in February 2026?
- What are the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025?
- How much do panic button devices cost drivers?
- Which states have gig worker laws in India?
- What role did Rahul Gandhi play in the strike?
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🔗 External Links
- Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025 – Govt of India
- Gig Economy – Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org in Bing)
- Ola Cabs – Official Site
- Uber India – Official Site
- Reddit Discussions on Gig Worker Strikes (reddit.com)
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