This Valentine’s Day, drivers for Uber and Bolt across the UK will go on strike, calling for improved pay and working conditions.
Organised by the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB), the strike will take place from 4 PM to 10 PM, with a key demonstration planned outside London’s City Hall.
The protest is gaining traction in cities like London, Birmingham, Manchester, Nottingham, and Brighton.
Drivers argue that low wages and high vehicle rental costs leave them with no choice but to work up to 80 hours a week just to make ends meet. Many also express concerns over the risk of sudden deactivations from the apps, which they say can cost them their livelihoods without fair process.
According to the IWGB they have criticised ride-hailing companies for prioritising profits over driver well-being. “Without drivers, these companies are nothing but apps.
Our work makes their profits,” the union emphasised. Choosing Valentine’s Day one of the busiest nights of the year for the strike is a strategic move to push companies to address these concerns.
Driver safety is another major issue. The union is advocating for stronger protections, including stricter ID verification for riders, improved handling of complaints, and better support for drivers who face assault or harassment.
A candlelit vigil will also be held during the protest to honor Gabriel Bringye, a Bolt driver who was tragically killed by a passenger in 2021.
Uber has stated that it provides drivers with weekly holiday pay and transparent earning breakdowns, but many drivers argue these measures fall short of what’s needed.
With increasing support from drivers across the country, this strike marks a significant step in the broader fight for fair treatment in the economy.