Uber and Bolt drivers strike on Valentine's Day.

Uber and Bolt drivers strike on Valentine's Day.

The gig economy has long been a contentious issue with debates surrounding worker rights pay and job security taking center stage. On Valentine's Day 2025 thousands of Uber Bolt and Addison Lee drivers across the UK logged off their apps during peak hours in a coordinated strike to demand better pay and improved working conditions. The action organized by the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain IWGB saw drivers in major cities such as London Birmingham Manchester Cardiff and Brighton participate in the protest which lasted from 16:00 to 22:00 GMT. This strike highlights the growing frustration among gig workers who feel undervalued and overworked despite the critical role they play in the modern economy.

The IWGB which represents gig economy workers has been vocal about the challenges faced by drivers. The union argues that despite the flexibility offered by platforms like Uber and Bolt drivers are often subjected to low pay long hours, and a lack of job security. The Valentine's Day strike was designed to draw attention to these issues as the day typically sees a surge in demand for ride-hailing services due to couples traveling for dates and celebrations. By logging off during peak hours drivers aimed to disrupt services and force companies to address their grievances.

Vasilica Dumitrescu a 51 year old driver who has been working for Uber and Bolt for nearly a decade shared her experience to underscore the difficulties faced by gig workers. She revealed that she works seven days a week often clocking more than 80 hours, just to make ends meet. It's really bad financially emotionally physically everything she said. Dumitrescu's story is not unique many drivers have reported similar struggles citing the high costs of fuel vehicle maintenance and platform commissions as significant burdens. Despite their hard work drivers often find themselves earning less than the minimum wage after expenses. The strike has reignited the debate over the classification of gig workers. Currently drivers for platforms like Uber and Bolt are classified as independent contractors rather than employees. This classification means they are not entitled to benefits such as sick pay holiday pay or pensions which are standard for traditional employees. The IWGB and other labor advocates have been pushing for a reclassification of gig workers to ensure they receive the same rights and protections as other workers. However companies have resisted these efforts arguing that the flexibility of gig work is a key benefit for drivers.

In response to the strike Uber Bolt and Addison Lee defended their working conditions stating that they provide drivers with flexible earning opportunities and access to benefits such as insurance and training programs. Uber in particular has pointed to recent changes it has made to improve driver earnings including introducing a minimum wage guarantee and offering bonuses during peak times. However critics argue that these measures are insufficient and do not address the underlying issues of low pay and job insecurity. The strike also comes amid broader changes in the gig economy. In recent years several countries have introduced legislation to improve conditions for gig workers. For example in 2021 the UK Supreme Court ruled that Uber drivers should be classified as workers rather than independent contractors entitling them to minimum wage and holiday pay. While this ruling was a significant victory for gig workers its implementation has been slow and many drivers continue to face challenges. Similarly in the United States states like California have passed laws aimed at improving gig worker rights though these measures have faced pushback from companies.

The Valentine's Day strike has drawn widespread attention with many members of the public expressing support for the drivers. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of solidarity and some customers have chosen to boycott ride hailing apps for the day in support of the strike. The action has also sparked discussions about the ethics of using gig economy services with some consumers questioning whether the convenience of ride hailing apps comes at too high a cost for drivers. As the strike concluded the IWGB emphasized that this was just the beginning of a broader campaign to improve conditions for gig workers. The union has called for further action including potential legal challenges and additional strikes if their demands are not met. The IWGB's president Alex Marshall stated This strike is a wake up call for the gig economy. Drivers are tired of being exploited and are ready to fight for their rights. Companies need to listen and take action or they will face more disruptions in the future.

The strike also highlights the growing power of collective action in the gig economy. While gig workers are often isolated and lack the traditional structures of unionized labor the rise of organizations like the IWGB has provided a platform for workers to organize and advocate for their rights. The success of the Valentine's Day strike demonstrates that even in a fragmented and decentralized industry workers can come together to demand change. The Valentine's Day strike by Uber Bolt and Addison Lee drivers is a significant moment in the ongoing struggle for gig worker rights. It underscores the challenges faced by drivers including low pay long hours and a lack of job security and highlights the need for systemic change in the gig economy. While companies have defended their practices the growing momentum behind worker led movements suggests that the status quo may no longer be sustainable. As the gig economy continues to evolve the voices of workers like Vasilica Dumitrescu will be crucial in shaping a fairer and more equitable future for all.