DRIVERS for Uber and Bolt are calling for a 24-hour passenger boycott this Valentine’s Day, campaigning over exploitative pay, unfair dismissal, and safety risks.

The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) is urging the boycott for Saturday February 14, arguing that low pay and a lack of protections are leaving drivers struggling.

Drivers must cover all vehicle costs from fares set by dynamic pricing algorithms, which the union says companies can lower without scrutiny.

IWGB private hire drivers branch chairman Nader Awaad said: “The UK’s private hire industry is a wild west.

“With no protection from unfair dismissal, drivers see their entire livelihoods go up in smoke, in the blink of an eye, for no reason.

“With no real safety measures we are left completely unprotected from passenger violence, frequently resulting in serious injuries, or, in the tragic case of our member Gabriel Bringye, death.”

Mr Awaad described a £82 cut from a recent £111 fare he had as unjustified, saying: “That’s nearly 75 per cent of the money, not for providing the car, not for covering the fuel, not for insurance, not for vehicle maintenance — just to be on the app.

“The government says it’s improving employment rights. Why are they ignoring gig economy workers like me?

“We are facing some of the worst working conditions in the UK. Yet we have been completely abandoned.

“It’s time for drivers and riders to come together and use our collective power to demand change.”

The union is also demanding protection from unfair dismissal.

IWGB president Alex Marshall accused gig economy companies of using “legislation loopholes” to strip their workforce of rights and “bring back Dickensian levels of exploitation.”

A Bolt spokesperson said: “The planned strike action on Valentine’s Day reflects longstanding concerns among the driver community. Across the industry, we hear the same message - drivers want more transparency, greater control, and earnings certainty.

“That’s why we rolled out Bolt Flex, built directly from driver feedback and a first for the UK. It puts drivers in control of their prices, allows them to negotiate directly with passengers, and runs on a transparent, flat, and low commission so there are no surprises.

“In cities where Bolt Flex is live, drivers are earning up to 7 per cent more per trip, while passengers are placing up to 27 per cent more orders per hour. During last month’s strike action, we also saw a sharp surge in drivers choosing Bolt, up 54 per cent week-on-week in Manchester, 43 per cent in Birmingham, and 93 per cent in Nottingham.

“Bolt unequivocally condemns violence of any form directed towards private hire drivers, who we believe have the right to earn a living without risk of harm. Globally, we have committed €100 million over three years to support safety features, incident reporting tools, and improved cooperation with local authorities.

“We remain committed to working with drivers to lead the way across the sector.”

Uber was approached for comment.