UK Uber and Bolt drivers protest low pay with nationwide strike

Thousands of Uber, Bolt, and Addison Lee drivers staged a nationwide strike on Valentine's Day, logging off their apps during peak hours from 16:00 to 22:00 GMT. The protest, organized by the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB), aimed to demand better pay, job security, and improved working conditions.

The strike, which had been planned in advance, was part of a broader push for better pay and working conditions for private hire drivers. Drivers across major UK cities, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff, and Brighton, participated in the protest, which was described by the IWGB as a stand against "low pay and insecure conditions."

Drivers Speak Out on Financial Struggles

Vasilica Dumitrescu, a 51-year-old driver who has worked for Uber and Bolt for nearly a decade, expressed the hardships faced by drivers in the industry.

Dumitrescu stated:

"It's really bad financially, emotionally, physically, everything. I can't afford to make bills, rent, food, which is so expensive now. It's really, really bad."

She hopes the strike will push companies to agree to better pay rates for drivers.

Dumitrescu added:

"The customers, they are with us. Every driver is upset because they don't earn enough. They ask you how much you get from this trip and are surprised at how little we get."

Helio Santos, another striking driver based in Stratford, East London, said that many drivers are at their breaking point.

Santos stated:

"This is unsustainable. Fees are too low, there is no safety, no transparency. Uber keeps ignoring us."

Companies Respond to Strike Action

Uber, Bolt, and Addison Lee defended their pay structures and working conditions in response to the strike.

An Uber spokesperson responded, saying:

"On average, drivers across the UK earn more than £30 per hour when taking trips on Uber. They also have access to industry-leading protections such as holiday pay, a pension, and free sickness and injury cover, as well as formal representation through GMB Union."

A spokesperson for Bolt also addressed the concerns, stating:

"We are committed to ensuring our prices balance the earning needs of drivers with affordability for passengers. All drivers receive holiday pay and monetary supplements to ensure they earn at least the national living wage, alongside a pension."

Bolt also reported that despite the strike, service levels remained "unaffected" and users were "able to book rides as normal."

Addison Lee had not issued a new statement but previously told the PA news agency:

"We have a close working relationship with our drivers, which was further reinforced in our recent bi-annual driver satisfaction survey. We do not expect to see any disruption to volumes or service levels on February 14."

Legal Cases and Safety Concerns

The strike comes after a series of legal victories for gig economy workers. In September 2024, Bolt drivers won a claim against the company, securing legal recognition as "workers" under UK law, which entitled them to rights such as the national minimum wage and paid holiday. Similarly, in January 2025, Addison Lee drivers won a similar case.

Safety remains another pressing issue for drivers. The IWGB has called for improved protections, including rider ID verification and better tracking systems for complaints and incidents of violence against drivers.

As part of the Valentine's Day strike action, a vigil was held to honor Gabriel Bringye, a Bolt driver who was killed in Tottenham in 2021. Bringye, 37, was attacked by a group of teenagers who had booked his ride with the intent to rob him. The IWGB stated that drivers are demanding better protections in his name.

A spokesperson for Bolt said the company has pledged €100m (£83.3m) over the next three years to enhance safety measures for drivers, including emergency assist features and improved passenger verification.