Thousands of Uber and Bolt Drivers Stage Nationwide Strike on Valentine’s Day

Thousands of ride-hailing drivers across the UK, including those working for Uber, Bolt, and Addison Lee, are staging a six-hour strike on Valentine’s Day, protesting low wages, long working hours, and lack of job security.

The strike, organized by the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB), began at 4 PM on February 14, with drivers demanding fair pay and better conditions. According to the union, many drivers work 70 to 80 hours per week just to make ends meet, often spending a large portion of their earnings on vehicle maintenance and rental fees.

“We have become slaves to the app,” says Helio Santos, an Uber driver who works between 60 to 70 hours per week to support his family.

Despite promises of fair pay, drivers argue that high commission fees, lack of employment benefits, and fluctuating fares leave them struggling to survive.

A Pattern of Strikes in the Ride-Hailing Industry

This isn’t the first time ride-hailing drivers in the UK have taken to the streets in protest. In previous years, drivers have staged walkouts demanding fairer pay and better working conditions, yet little has changed. Many believe that tech companies continue to prioritize profits over driver welfare, forcing them to endure harsh working conditions. 

The IWGB argues that the gig economy has led to worsening labor rights, with drivers receiving no employment protections, pension benefits, or stable income despite working full-time hours.

“We Deserve Better”: Drivers Demand Fair Pay and Job Security

Nader Awaad, Chair of the IWGB’s Private Hire Drivers Branch, insists that drivers are essential to the transport system and should be treated fairly.

“We offer a great service to customers and keep cities moving. We deserve fair pay and job security, but instead, profits have soared at our expense.”

Many drivers feel abandoned by the government and licensing authorities, as regulations remain largely in favor of ride-hailing companies rather than the workers.

The Harsh Reality of Gig Economy Work

The rise of gig economy jobs has provided flexibility but has also created job insecurity and unstable wages. Reports from the Greater London Authority highlight how gig workers, including private hire drivers, struggle with inconsistent pay, lack of employment rights, and limited financial stability.

Despite claims from Uber and Bolt that drivers earn above the national living wage, many argue that after deducting expenses like fuel, insurance, and car rentals, their take-home earnings are alarmingly low.

What the Ride-Hailing Companies Are Saying

In response to the strike, Uber, Bolt, and Addison Lee have defended their policies:

• Uber claims that drivers are guaranteed at least the national living wage when taking trips and have access to holiday pay and a pension. However, many drivers dispute this, stating that expenses often outweigh earnings.
• Bolt says it allows drivers to set their own minimum fares and offers dynamic pricing based on market conditions.
• Addison Lee insists it maintains a strong relationship with its drivers and does not expect major service disruptions due to the strike.

Will This Strike Bring Change?

The Valentine’s Day strike has reignited frustrations within the gig economy, with drivers hoping that their collective action will force companies to improve pay structures, lower commission rates, and introduce stronger worker protections.

For now, drivers remain united in their demand for fairer treatment, but whether Uber, Bolt, and other ride-hailing giants will respond with real changes remains uncertain.