Uber, Ola, and Blinkit Partners Join Forces for February 7 Strike
In a move set to disrupt urban transportation across major Indian metropolitan hubs, several prominent ride-hailing gig worker unions have officially called for a nationwide strike on February 7.
Drivers associated with industry giants Uber and Ola, as well as delivery partners from various platforms, are expected to go offline to protest what they describe as “deteriorating working conditions” and “exploitative commission structures.”
The Core Demands Through Strike: Minimum Wage and Social Security
The primary catalyst for the February 7 strike is the demand for a standardized minimum fare and a significant reduction in the commission fees charged by aggregators, which currently range between 25% and 35%.
Unions, including the Indian Federation of App-based Transport Workers (IFAT), are advocating for the implementation of the Code on Social Security.
They argue that despite rising fuel costs and inflation, their net earnings have plummeted, forcing many into 14-to-16-hour workdays just to cover basic vehicle EMIs.
Safety Concerns and Algorithmic Transparency
Beyond financial compensation, the protesting groups are highlighting a lack of safety and arbitrary “digital deactivations.”
Drivers claim that platforms frequently block accounts based on customer complaints. These actions often occur without a fair investigation or an avenue for appeal.
The unions are demanding “algorithmic transparency,” urging the government to regulate how rides are assigned and how incentives are calculated, asserting that the current “black box” systems favor corporate profits over worker welfare.
Impact of Strike on Commuters and City Logistics
The strike will hit Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad most severely.
Authorities have advised commuters to seek alternative transport methods, as thousands of drivers will likely keep their vehicles off the roads.
The disruption will spill over into quick-commerce and food delivery services.
Several delivery partner unions have pledged solidarity with ride-hailing drivers over similar “per-delivery” payout grievances.
Government and Corporate Standpoint
The Ministry of Labour and Employment has previously issued guidelines for gig worker welfare. However, the enforcement of these guidelines remains a point of contention.
Uber and Ola have historically maintained that they provide flexible earning opportunities and have introduced various insurance schemes for partners.
Union leaders state that these measures are merely cosmetic. They also claim the measures fail to address the fundamental lack of employee status for gig workers.
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