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App-Based Transport Workers Nationwide Strike Over Falling Incomes

App-based transport workers associated with platforms like Ola, Uber, and Rapido will observe a nationwide "breakdown" strike on Saturday. The action, called by worker unions, protests falling incomes and the failure to implement minimum fare guidelines. Key demands include the official notification of minimum base fares and a ban on private vehicles being used for commercial transport. The unions have urged central and state governments to begin immediate dialogue to ensure sustainable regulation of the sector.

Key Points: Nationwide Strike by Ola, Uber Drivers Over Fare Guidelines

  • Protest against falling incomes
  • Demand notification of minimum base fares
  • Halt to private vehicles for commercial use
  • Call for government dialogue with unions
2 min read

App-based transport workers to observe nationwide strike tomorrow

App-based transport workers across India to strike Saturday, demanding minimum base fares and protesting exploitation by aggregator platforms.

"breakdown has been called to protest against falling incomes and 'worsening exploitation' - Union Statement"

Hyderabad, Feb 6

App-based transport workers across the country associated with Ola, Uber, Rapido, Porter and other app-based ride-hailing platforms will observe "breakdown" on Saturday against falling incomes and "worsening exploitation".

Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) and Indian Federation of App Based Transport Workers (IFAT) have called the All-India 'breakdown'.

They said on Friday that the 'breakdown' has been called to protest against falling incomes and 'worsening exploitation' due to the failure of governments to notify minimum base fares under the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025.

Shaik Salahuddin, TGPWU founder President and IFAT co-founder and National General Secretary, said that despite the guidelines, aggregator companies continue to unilaterally fix fares, pushing workers into unsustainable working conditions.

The key demands of the unions include immediate notification of minimum base fares for app-based transport services in consultation with recognised worker unions, as mandated under the Aggregator Guidelines, 2025.

They are also demanding strict prohibition of private (non-commercial) vehicles being used for commercial passenger and goods transport, or mandatory conversion to commercial category vehicles as per the Motor Vehicles Act and Aggregator Guidelines, 2025.

TGPWU and IFAT have urged the Central and state governments to initiate immediate dialogue with worker representatives and ensure fair, lawful, and sustainable regulation of the app-based transport sector.

Salahuddin told IANS that auto-rickshaw and cab drivers of Ola, Uber, Porter and other platforms will participate in the strike by either cancelling ride requests or switch off their ride-hailing apps altogether.

According to TGPWU founder President, Telangana alone has about 2.5 lakh autorickshaw drivers, 1.5 lakh cab drivers and about 50,000 Porter drivers.

TGPWU had earlier sent a letter to the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Telangana Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar and other officials, informing them about the decision to observe All-India 'breakdown'.

It demanded immediate notification of minimum bus fares by the Central and state government for app-based transport services (autos, cabs, bike taxis, and other aggregator-based services) to be finalised in consultation with recognised driver and worker unions.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
This is going to cause so much inconvenience tomorrow 😣 I have to get to the airport. But I understand their struggle. Every driver I talk to says the same thing - they work 12-14 hours just to make ends meet. There has to be a middle path.
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Suresh O
The guidelines were passed in 2025, but still not implemented? What is the delay? These companies make crores while the drivers who are the backbone get peanuts. Strict action should be taken against aggregators flouting rules. Jai Hind.
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Aman W
While I support fair wages, I hope the unions also address the issue of refusal to go to certain locations and surge pricing manipulation. Sometimes the customer experience is also poor. The regulation should be balanced.
M
Meera T
My brother drives for Uber in Delhi. He says after all expenses, he's barely left with ₹1500 a day for the family. With rising costs, how is that enough? These apps promised better livelihoods but are now exploiting. Solidarity with the strike ✊
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David E
Interesting to see this unfold. In Western markets, there have been similar battles. The key is sustainable unit economics for all parties - driver, company, and customer. The government mandating a minimum fare after consultation seems like a reasonable start for dialogue.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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