Why are app-based transport workers striking nationwide today?
Synopsis
In a significant move, app-based transport workers across India will protest today against declining incomes and worsening conditions. With unions like TGPWU and IFAT spearheading the All-India 'breakdown', the stakes are high as they demand fair regulations and minimum fare notifications. Will their voices finally be heard?
Key Takeaways
Nationwide strike by app-based transport workers.
Unions demand minimum base fares and regulation.
Protest highlights economic challenges in gig economy.
Over 400,000 workers participating in Telangana.
Call for immediate government dialogue with workers.
New Delhi, Feb 7 (NationPress) Workers in app-based transportation services from across the nation, including those affiliated with Ola, Uber, Rapido, Porter, and various other ride-hailing platforms, will engage in a nationwide "breakdown" protest today to voice their concerns over declining earnings and escalating exploitation.
The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) alongside the Indian Federation of App Based Transport Workers (IFAT) have initiated this All-India 'breakdown'.
On Friday, they announced that this protest is aimed at highlighting the issues of decreasing incomes and growing exploitation, which they attribute to the government's failure to implement minimum base fares under the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025.
Shaik Salahuddin, President of TGPWU and co-founder of IFAT, stated that aggregator companies are still setting fares unilaterally, thus subjecting workers to unsustainable working conditions.
The unions' primary demands include the immediate establishment of minimum base fares for app-based transport services, following consultations with recognized worker unions as specified in the Aggregator Guidelines of 2025.
They are also calling for a stringent ban on private (non-commercial) vehicles being utilized for commercial passenger and goods transport or their mandatory conversion to commercial vehicles in accordance with the Motor Vehicles Act and the Aggregator Guidelines, 2025.
TGPWU and IFAT are appealing to both the Central and state governments to initiate prompt discussions with worker representatives to ensure fair, legal, and sustainable regulation of the app-based transport sector.
Salahuddin informed IANS that drivers of auto-rickshaws and cabs from Ola, Uber, Porter, among others, plan to participate in the strike by either canceling ride requests or completely disabling their ride-hailing apps.
According to the founder President of TGPWU, Telangana has approximately 250,000 autorickshaw drivers, 150,000 cab drivers, and around 50,000 Porter drivers.
Previously, TGPWU sent a letter to the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, and Telangana Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, along with other officials, notifying them of the decision to observe the All-India 'breakdown'.
They have demanded the swift announcement of minimum fares for app-based transport services (including autos, cabs, bike taxis, and other aggregator-based services) to be determined in consultation with legitimate driver and worker unions.
Point of View
The ongoing strike by app-based transport workers highlights significant economic challenges within the gig economy. The demands for fair wages and regulations are not just about the livelihoods of these workers, but also about establishing a framework for sustainable employment in an evolving market. As this situation unfolds, it will be crucial for both the government and the companies involved to engage in constructive dialogue.
NationPress
17 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason behind the nationwide strike?
The strike is primarily against declining incomes and worsening exploitation faced by app-based transport workers due to the unregulated fare structures imposed by aggregator companies.
Which unions are leading this protest?
The protest is being led by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) and the Indian Federation of App Based Transport Workers (IFAT).
What are the key demands of the workers?
The workers demand the immediate notification of minimum base fares for app-based transport services and a ban on the use of private vehicles for commercial purposes.
How many workers are participating in the strike?
In Telangana alone, approximately 250,000 autorickshaw drivers, 150,000 cab drivers, and 50,000 Porter drivers are expected to participate in the strike.
What actions are drivers taking during the strike?
Drivers are either canceling ride requests or completely disabling their ride-hailing apps as part of the protest.
