The strike, led by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) and the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT), marks one of the largest mobilizations of the informal workforce in recent years.
Why are Gig Workers Striking?
At the heart of the protest is a growing friction between the billion-dollar valuations of "unicorn" platforms and the shrinking take-home pay of the people who power them.1. The Fare Fixation Crisis
Despite the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines of 2025, unions allege that companies like Ola, Uber, and Rapido continue to fix fares unilaterally. Shaik Salauddin, Founder President of TGPWU, stated that without government-notified minimum base fares, drivers are forced to work 14–16 hours a day just to cover fuel costs and high platform commissions, which often range from 25% to 40%.2. The "10-Minute Delivery" Pressure
Following a preliminary strike on December 31, 2025, delivery partners for Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart have joined the movement. They are calling for a permanent ban on hyper-fast delivery promises, which they claim lead to road accidents and immense mental health strain.3. Lack of Social Security
Workers are demanding the immediate implementation of the 2020 Social Security Code. Currently, over 80% of India’s 1.2 crore gig workers lack health insurance, accident cover, or pension benefits, leaving them one mishap away from financial ruin.Impact Across Major Cities
The "All-India Breakdown" has left thousands of commuters stranded and thousands of orders undelivered.| City | Expected Impact | Primary Service Affected |
|---|---|---|
| Bengaluru | Severe | IT corridors (Whitefield/Electronic City) saw 70% fewer cabs. |
| Delhi-NCR | High | Massive delays in food delivery and airport cab bookings. |
| Hyderabad | Very High | Strongest union presence; near-total blackout of bike taxis. |
| Mumbai | Moderate | Local trains saw increased footfall as autos stayed off-road. |
"We built these unicorns with our sweat, but we are the most oppressed in this ecosystem," noted a spokesperson during a protest at Freedom Park, Bengaluru. "It’s not just about money; it’s about dignity and the right to appeal against arbitrary app blocks."
The Charter of Demands: Gig Workers’ Rights 2026
1. Mandatory Minimum Base Fares
The primary demand is the immediate notification of minimum base fares for all categories: Cabs (Hatchback/Sedan/SUV), Autorickshaws, and Bike Taxis.- The Logic: Unions argue that current fares are "mathematically impossible" to survive on after fuel and maintenance.
- The Demand: Fares should be fixed per kilometer (e.g., ₹25–30 for cabs) and adjusted quarterly based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and fuel price fluctuations.
2. Removal of the "50% Discount" Clause
Workers are calling for the removal of Clause 17.3 of the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025.- The Issue: This clause currently allows aggregators to price rides up to 50% below the base fare during low-demand hours.
- The Demand: Unions claim this provision "legalizes exploitation" and want a hard floor price that cannot be breached by platform algorithms.
3. Ban on Private Vehicles for Commercial Use
A major point of contention is the use of "White Plate" (private) vehicles for commercial services via apps like Rapido and Uber.- The Issue: Licensed commercial drivers pay higher taxes, permit fees, and insurance. They claim private vehicles create "unfair and illegal competition."
- The Demand: A strict nationwide ban on private vehicles for commercial passenger or goods transport, or a mandatory, expensive conversion process to commercial status.
4. Algorithmic Transparency & "De-platforming" Rights
Workers are demanding an end to arbitrary "ID blocking" (the digital version of being fired).- The Demand: Establish an Independent Grievance Redressal Body. Platforms must provide a "Show Cause" notice and a human-led appeal process before a worker’s ID is deactivated.
5. Statutory Social Security (Not just "Schemes")
While the government has introduced identity cards and basic healthcare in the 2025 Budget, the unions want more.- The Demand: Immediate implementation of the Social Security Code (2020). They want a dedicated Gig Worker Welfare Board (modeled after the Karnataka/Rajasthan laws) funded by a 1–2% cess on every transaction made through the apps.
6. Standardization of "Panic Buttons"
Specifically in states like Maharashtra, drivers are protesting the financial burden of safety hardware.- The Demand: The government must subsidize or standardize the installation of vehicle tracking and panic buttons. Drivers claim they are being forced to replace existing devices at a cost of ₹12,000, which they cannot afford.
What the Government and Companies Say
The Economic Survey 2025–26 recently flagged that nearly 40% of gig workers earn less than ₹15,000 per month. While the government has acknowledged the need for "regulatory oversight," the notification of base fares remains stuck in bureaucratic limbo.On the other hand, platform aggregators have largely remained silent on the specific demands, though some executives have previously argued that their systems offer "unparalleled flexibility" to workers.
The Road Ahead
The unions have warned that today’s six-hour "log-out" is only a warning shot. If the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways doesn't initiate a dialogue regarding the 2025 Guidelines, the frequency of these "breakdowns" is likely to increase.For the average consumer, this strike serves as a stark reminder of the fragile human backbone behind the seamless convenience of a smartphone screen.
Disclaimer: This article has been compiled and summarized from multiple news reports to provide a comprehensive overview of the ongoing situation as of February 7, 2026.