Thousands of app-based drivers and delivery partners across India have announced a nationwide strike on February 7, 2026, aimed at major aggregators including Uber, Ola, and Rapido, Outlook Business reported.
The protest seeks to highlight the deteriorating working conditions of gig employees. The strike encompasses a wide range of demands, from the implementation of a minimum fare to the provision of comprehensive social security benefits.
With tensions rising between platform owners and the workforce, this collective action called an ‘All India Breakdown’, is expected to significantly impact transport and logistics services in metropolitan hubs across the country.
Grievances in Gig Sector
The decision to call for a nationwide strike follows years of simmering discontent among drivers who feel exploited by the current aggregator model.
While companies like Uber and Ola initially offered lucrative incentives to attract partners, those benefits have largely disappeared, replaced by high commission fees and rising operational costs.
Drivers point to the steady increase in fuel prices and vehicle maintenance as major factors that have slashed their take-home earnings. This February 7 protest is not just about a single day of missed work; it represents a unified stand against a system that many workers believe prioritises corporate profit over human welfare.
Fair Minimum Wage
A primary demand of the striking workers is the standardisation of fares and a significant reduction in the commissions charged by aggregators. Currently, platforms can take up to 30 per cent or more of the total trip value, leaving drivers with very little after expenses.
The unions are advocating for a “per-kilometre” rate that reflects the actual economic reality of living in urban India. By demanding a legal floor for earnings, the drivers hope to escape the cycle of debt that many have fallen into while trying to keep their vehicles on the road. This demand for financial transparency is central to the upcoming agitation.
Key Demands
Beyond immediate pay, the protesters are highlighting the total lack of social security for gig workers. Unlike traditional employees, app-based drivers do not have access to provident funds, gratuity, or comprehensive health insurance.
The unions are urging the government to strictly implement the Code on Social Security, which was designed to protect unorganized workers but has seen slow progress in real-world application.
Drivers often work 12 to 14 hours a day in hazardous traffic conditions, yet they remain one accident away from total financial ruin. The demand for accidental insurance and medical cover is a non-negotiable part of their manifesto.
Arbitrary Deactivations
Another critical issue being raised is the “arbitrary” blocking of driver accounts by aggregator platforms. Many drivers claim their livelihoods are cut off without warning or a fair hearing based on automated algorithms or unverified customer complaints.
The unions are demanding a formal grievance redressal mechanism that allows drivers to defend themselves before being deplatformed.
Additionally, the strike aims to address the daily harassment faced by drivers from both administrative authorities and the apps themselves. Establishing a “Bill of Rights” for gig workers has become a rallying cry for the thousands of individuals joining the protest on February 7.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that the convenience of a “one-tap” ride should never come at the cost of basic human dignity and fair compensation. The gig economy has transformed urban mobility, but it must not be allowed to become a modern form of bonded labour where workers lack both voice and security.
We support the call for a constructive dialogue between the government, platform companies, and worker unions to create a sustainable and empathetic business model. True innovation is only successful when it uplifts everyone involved, from the CEO to the driver.
