Ridehail drivers target blocking Heathrow Airport pick-up area in strike over pay and conditions
- Perry Richardson
- May 1
- 2 min read
Updated: May 4
Private hire drivers working for apps including Uber, Bolt and Addison Lee protested at the entrance to the designated car park at Heathrow Airport this morning.
The protest, held between 7am and 9am, aimed to prevent fellow drivers from taking airport jobs as part of a wider global strike.
The action marks the beginning of a coordinated 24-hour strike taking place internationally from 7am today until 7am on Friday. Organised by the Independent Workers of Great Britain (IWGB), the strike is demanding fairer pay, improved working conditions, and stronger protections for gig economy drivers.
The Heathrow protest coincides with planned action in other UK cities, including London, Manchester, Newcastle and Bristol. Thousands of app-based drivers are expected to remain logged off during the 24-hour period. Coordinated action is also being seen in cities across the US, Nigeria and Uruguay.
Drivers say they are being pushed to work longer hours for decreasing fares, with no access to basic employment rights. The IWGB claims the strain of current working conditions is having a significant effect on drivers’ mental and physical health, as well as family life.
The union is calling for increased base fares, revised pay structures, protections against unfair app deactivations, and improved driver safety.
In London, frustrations have grown over licensing delays at Transport for London (TfL), which have left many drivers unable to work. The IWGB says over 800 drivers have contacted them directly with concerns, many reporting debt and extreme financial pressure as a result of waiting for private hire licence renewals.
Today’s action increases the pressure on ride-hailing companies and regulators to respond to growing discontent among app-based drivers.
