BluSmart drivers in major Indian cities have gone on strike to protest the sudden loss of their livelihoods when the ride-hailing platform suspended operations without notice. Drivers found their accounts deactivated overnight, preventing them from accepting trips and leaving them without severance or alternative employment. Although BluSmart claimed its drivers were independent “partners,” the abrupt shutdown showed they lack basic employee protections.

During the strike, drivers demanded that authorities recognize platform workers’ rights, including notice periods, fair termination procedures, and access to social-security benefits. Union organizers noted that BluSmart previously owned the vehicles, provided training for women, and guaranteed minimum incomes—benefits lost with the closure.

This incident reflects a broader trend of unrest in India’s gig economy. BluSmart drivers contend that misclassification as entrepreneurs allows platforms to enforce strict rules—like high minimum rating requirements, mandatory uniforms, and tight cancellation policies—while denying workers the right to unionize or achieve stable incomes. They also mentioned long work hours, exposure to severe weather, and lack of health or accident coverage as continuous hazards.