Thousands of unionized drivers from ride-hailing apps are taking a stand. They are striking to demand better pay and workplace safety, especially following court rulings that say they should be paid the moment they log in.
The strike started with Addison Lee drivers in September 2024, and now Uber and Bolt drivers, organized by the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB), plan to log off en masse on Valentine’s Day 2025. They are protesting low pay and unstable working conditions, where many drivers are stuck working 70 to 80 hours a week just to make ends meet. Meanwhile, these companies keep hefty commissions while refusing to compensate drivers for all their logged hours.
Court rulings have affirmed that drivers for Uber, Bolt, and Addison Lee are classified as workers, meaning they deserve pay for all the time they spend logged into their apps—not just when they are on actual trips. Nader Awaad, the chair of IWGB’s Private Hire Drivers branch, highlighted that drivers are crucial to the UK transport system and should be compensated fairly, especially given the significant profits these companies are making.
Awaad pointed out how the algorithms used by these apps create competition among drivers, driving down earnings. For instance, Uber sends job offers to multiple drivers, showing each a different fare. The driver who takes the lowest fare gets the job, forcing others to lower their rates and intensifying the competition, especially with new drivers entering the market week after week. The lack of transparency about these algorithms complicates matters. Awaad noted, “We’re fighting against sophisticated computer systems that dictate everything. Our only option is to protest.”
This lack of clarity about earnings is also true for drivers through the App Drivers and Couriers Union (ADCU). They’ve explained that Uber’s “dynamic pricing” and “upfront pricing” models hide crucial data, effectively denying drivers a clear understanding of what they should be earning. Zamir Dreni, ADCU vice-chairman, said, “Drivers don’t see fares that customers accept, allowing Uber to claim more in commission.”
On February 11, 2025, ADCU is also organizing a protest to demand better pay and rights. Initially, Uber charged about 20% to 25% commission on trips, but drivers now claim that figure is closer to 50%. Bolt’s commission generally falls between 15% to 20%. Some Addison Lee drivers report that the company takes nearly 70% of their earnings, which they want capped at 30% following their last strike. The IWGB claimed all three firms are taking over 50% in commissions based on driver reports.
When it comes to driver health and safety, Awaad stated that union drivers are advocating for measures like ID verification for riders, a tracking system for complaints, and better support for drivers experiencing assaults. As part of their strike, they plan a demonstration outside London City Hall and will hold a candlelight vigil for Gabriel Bringye, a driver killed by a passenger in 2021. Despite repeated requests for safety improvements and family compensation, Bolt has yet to act on their demands.
One driver, Saifullah Hussainkhel, who has been with Uber for 12 years, expressed the heavy toll of the job. “I have to work 30 hours a week just to cover driving costs, let alone earn anything for my family. I’ve been prescribed antidepressants because the stress of long hours has taken a toll on my mental health.” Another driver from Addison Lee, who asked to remain anonymous, spoke of pervasive health issues and financial strain among drivers.
“We know they won’t make our lives easier unless we push back,” the anonymous driver said, reflecting the growing unity among drivers across different platforms. The recent employment tribunal confirmed that Addison Lee drivers are, in fact, workers entitled to rights such as holiday pay and the national minimum wage.
Valentine’s Day is historically one of the busiest for private hire services, so drivers are hopeful their strike will affect availability and pricing, prompting companies to listen.
In response to the planned strike, a Bolt spokesperson acknowledged the crucial role drivers play. They emphasized their commitment to balancing driver earnings and passenger affordability and claimed that all drivers receive holiday pay and are guaranteed at least the national living wage. They also highlighted initiatives that stemmed from driver feedback, such as safety features and emergency response tools.
Uber and Addison Lee have not responded to inquiries about the strike or drivers’ demands.
Despite the court rulings favoring drivers, questions remain about whether companies will comply. For instance, the tribunal found that Bolt’s classification of drivers as self-employed was incorrect and that the level of control Bolt holds indicates a worker relationship.
A Bolt spokesperson suggested that many drivers choose to work across multiple applications, which complicates the issue of pay during logged-on time. However, drivers feel the strain of these decisions and are determined to push for better conditions.
Deliveroo faces scrutiny as well. In 2021, the UK Court of Appeal ruled that Deliveroo riders were self-employed, denying them union organization rights. Despite the apparent contradictions in that ruling, the IWGB continues its fight for better recognition and rights.
The ongoing struggles between drivers and their platforms reveal a complex battle over rights, pay, and safety in the gig economy.