You may not be able to get an Uber on Valentine’s Day – Here’s why

Thousands of taxi drivers are set to go on strike on Valentine’s Day, potentially disrupting plans for scores of couples.

Workers from the likes of Uber, Bolt and Addison Lee will take part in six hours of industrial action starting from 4pm on Friday, according to the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB).

Union officials claim the strike is a response to being forced to work 70-80 hour weeks with high car rents and poor job security, with thousands of drivers reportedly set to take part, The Independent reports.

Following a court ruling several years ago, drivers for such companies are now considered ‘workers’ rather independent contractors, which means they must receive the National Living Wage, which is currently £11.44 per hour, rising to £12.21 in April.

But drivers claim they have to work at least 30 hours a week just to cover their driving costs, with 80 hour weeks required to earn a livable wage.

A recent BBC investigation revealed that Uber drivers’ earnings per hour had not increased in line with the rising cost of living, and there was still a lack of transparency over the app’s commission policy.

Organisers say the action is a critical step in uniting drivers who feel exploited by gig economy giants, and have called for better pay, improved job security, and enhanced safety measures, including rider ID verification, complaint tracking systems, and support for drivers who are victims of assault.

Nader Awaad, Chair of the IWGB’s Private Hire Drivers Branch, said: ‘Up and down the country, drivers whose lives have been torn apart by apps like Uber are saying the same thing – it’s time for us to take back the wheel.

‘We offer a great service to customers and form an essential part of the transport system. We deserve to be paid well and to have our jobs protected. Instead, industry profits have soared at our expense.’

He added: ‘We are left with no choice but to come together and take action ourselves. This log-off has reignited drivers’ faith that by uniting we can transform this industry for the better.’

Drivers have shared harrowing accounts of the toll their working conditions take. Helio Santos, a driver for Uber, said he works 60 to 70 hours a week, juggling day and night shifts to support his family. 

‘We have become slaves to the app,’ he told the Independent. ‘What we have right now is drivers bidding for the same trip with the lowest fare. We are bidding for it to make a living. There is no certainty.’

Santos highlighted that while Uber claims to pay the national living wage, it does not account for running costs, leaving many drivers financially strained.

The IWGB has accused the government and licensing authorities of failing to protect drivers, leaving them at the mercy of tech companies. 

Uber responded by defending its practices, stating that all drivers are guaranteed to earn at least the national living wage, with the company topping up earnings if necessary.

A spokesperson said: ‘The majority of Uber drivers can and do earn much more. Uber drivers have the freedom to work where and when they want and have access to industry-leading rights such as holiday pay and a pension.’ 

Uber also highlighted that drivers receive weekly holiday pay and earnings statements.

Addison Lee said it does not expect any disruption to services on Valentine’s Day, citing a ‘close working relationship’ with its drivers. 

Bolt, meanwhile, emphasised its commitment to balancing driver earnings with passenger affordability, noting that it allows drivers to set their own minimum pricing and benefit from dynamic pricing.

GMB, Uber’s officially recognised trade union, are not taking part in the strike.

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