Private hire drivers in the UK, including those working for Uber, Bolt, and Addison Lee, are planning to boycott the ride-hailing services on Valentine's Day as part of a coordinated strike action. This campaign is driven by unions such as the Independent Workers of Great Britain (IWGB), which highlight growing concerns regarding unfair pay, unsafe working conditions, and regulatory failures in the industry. Drivers will log off from the apps and participate in a motorcade protest in central London to amplify their demands for better treatment and legal protections.

The IWGB has described the current state of the industry as one of 'systemic exploitation,' pointing to fluctuating fares, escalating operating costs, and increasing incidents of violence from passengers as critical issues that must be addressed. Nader Awaad, chairman of the IWGB Private Hire Drivers branch, has expressed that conditions for drivers have degraded significantly, urging the public to understand the struggles faced by workers striving for basic rights and protections. The strike aims not only to draw attention to their plight but also to encourage legislative reforms that would provide essential support for these essential workers.

As public interest in ride-hailing remains high, the drivers' action on such a symbolic day as Valentine's reflects not just their immediate grievances but the broader implications of gig economy labor conditions. With thousands expected to log off and abstain from work, the strike seeks to rally customer support in solidarity, signaling a potential shift towards greater accountability within the industry and a call for legislative changes to ensure fair treatment and safety for all drivers. This event underscores the ongoing tensions between gig economy companies and their workforce, setting the stage for future actions and discussions about worker rights in the fast-evolving labor landscape.