Fri Feb 06 17:50:00 UTC 2026: ### App-Based Transport Workers in India to Strike Over Fair Wages and Regulations

The Story:
The Karnataka App-based Workers Union (KAWU) has announced a nationwide strike scheduled for February 7, 2026, demanding the immediate implementation of minimum base fares for app-based transport services and a ban on the use of non-commercial vehicles for commercial purposes. KAWU has written to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and State Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, urging them to address these long-standing issues and initiate dialogue with worker representatives to establish fair regulations in the digital transportation sector.

The union emphasizes that without regulated base fares, aggregator companies can unilaterally set prices, leading to precarious and exploitative working conditions for both riders and drivers. They are also calling for strict enforcement of the Motor Vehicles Act and Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, to prevent the use of private vehicles for commercial transport. The strike aims to pressure authorities to swiftly develop regulations for a lawful transportation sector in the digital age.

Key Points:

  • The Karnataka App-based Workers Union (KAWU) is organizing a nationwide strike on February 7, 2026.
  • The primary demand is the immediate notification of minimum base fares for app-based transport services (autos, cabs, bike taxis, etc.).
  • KAWU seeks to prohibit the use of non-commercial vehicles for commercial passenger and goods transport.
  • The union sent a letter to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and State Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy.
  • The demands are based on the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025.

Key Takeaways:

  • App-based transport workers in India are increasingly mobilizing to demand fair wages and working conditions.
  • The implementation of the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, is a key point of contention.
  • The strike highlights the ongoing struggle between workers, aggregator companies (Ola, Uber, Porter, and Rapido), and regulatory bodies.

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