Michelle ThompsonThousands of Uber, Bolt, and Addison Lee drivers are logging off during peak hours on Valentine’s Day to demand improved pay and working conditions, according to a union.
The strike, running from 16:00 to 22:00 GMT, is happening across the UK.
The Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB) stated that drivers nationwide face low wages and job insecurity.
Uber, Bolt, and Addison Lee defended their conditions after the IWGB claimed that drivers in cities such as London, Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff, and Brighton were supporting the strike.
Vasilica Dumitrescu, a 51-year-old driver with nine years of experience on platforms like Uber and Bolt, said she works over 80 hours a week across seven days just to get by.
“It’s tough financially, emotionally, and physically,” she said.
“I struggle to cover bills, rent, and food, which has become so expensive. It’s really bad.”
Vasilica Dumitrescu is joining the strike.
Ms. Dumitrescu hopes the strike will lead to higher pay agreements.
“The customers support us,” she said. “Every driver is frustrated because earnings are too low. Passengers often ask how much we make per trip and are shocked by how little we receive.”
An Uber spokesperson stated that all drivers are guaranteed at least the national living wage, with most earning more.
“On average, UK drivers earn over £30 per hour while taking trips on Uber,” the spokesperson said.
“They also receive industry-leading protections, including holiday pay, a pension, free sickness and injury cover, and formal representation through GMB Union.”
A Bolt spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to balancing driver earnings with passenger affordability.
“All drivers receive holiday pay and financial supplements to ensure they earn at least the national living wage, along with a pension,” they added.
Just over an hour into the strike, Bolt reported no service disruptions, with rides available as usual.
Addison Lee has been contacted for comment. Previously, the company told PA news agency: “We have a strong relationship with our drivers, reinforced by our recent bi-annual satisfaction survey. We do not anticipate any impact on service levels or ride volumes on February 14.”
In September 2024, Bolt drivers won an employment tribunal case, securing classification as “workers” under UK law, granting them rights such as the national minimum wage.
In January 2025, Addison Lee drivers won a similar case.
‘Breaking point’
Helio Santos, a Stratford-based driver in east London, is also joining the strike.
Having driven with Uber for three years, he said that despite being online for 70 to 80 hours per week, he typically spends only 25 to 30 hours actually driving.
Mr. Santos believes Friday’s strike highlights that drivers across the UK are “reaching a breaking point.”
“This can’t continue,” he said. “Fares are too low, safety is lacking, and there’s no transparency. Uber keeps ignoring us.”
Helio Santos has worked as an Uber driver for three years.
Mr. Santos, a father of three, including a four-year-old, dismissed Uber’s national living wage guarantee as “meaningless.”
“It’s insulting to say drivers earn a living wage. I’d be better off working for a cleaning company,” he said.
The IWGB stated that working conditions have worsened since drivers were legally recognized as “workers.”
Along with calls for fairer pay and job security, the union is demanding improved safety measures, including rider ID verification, complaint tracking, and support for drivers who experience assaults.
A Bolt spokesperson said the company has pledged €100m (£83.3m) over three years for driver safety initiatives. Recent measures include an in-app emergency assist button and additional passenger details before pick-up.
Friday’s action will also feature a vigil for Bolt driver Gabriel Bringye, who was killed in Tottenham, north London, in 2021.
Mr. Bringye, 37, was attacked by a group of teenagers committing a crime spree, who booked the ride intending to rob him.
The IWGB said the vigil marks four years since his death, with drivers demanding stronger protections in his memory.
