The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transport Workers Of Nigeria (AUATWON), which represents e-hailing drivers including Bolt, Uber, LagRide etc, began a nationwide strike on Wednesday.
The union is demanding a 200% increase in base fares against 25 and 30 percent, increase by the ride hailing apps. They are also demanding a 50 percent reduction in commission as well as an end to the deactivation of drivers who refuse to work due to the low fares and attendant unprofitability, according to a statement by the union.
Presently, Uber and Bolt collect a 20 per cent commission on every ride.
Despite the strike action, our correspondent who tried to book a ride on Bolt App in Port Harcourt, was able to find a driver 7 minutes away from his location.
The statement read in part, “The union’s technical team is versed with the operation and technicality of ride-hailing companies and on our calculations, any app company can break even charging below five per cent even though the union recommended a flat commission of 10 per cent or 50 per cent off their current commission during our last meeting, as we believe this will help us to cope with maintenance costs, spare parts and various overhead cost and the current fuel increase.
“We can no longer tolerate any act of dictatorial practices by any app company because we are workers and as an organised union, we have written several letters to these companies for a round table discussion where we can look at various areas of concern and dialogue but they have remained adamant with a deliberate intention to avoid responsibility.
“So, as a result of this insensitivity, the union is directing all its members across the nation to shut down their service on all ride-hailing applications from Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in protest against every dictatorial practice and lack of concern for welfare and security of App-Based Transport workers of Nigeria.
“This is a solidarity step we must take together to protect our investment as fleet managers, secure our business as workers, and secure our job as app drivers.
“We are confident this will give us a better and profitable industry that will encourage every stakeholder.”
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
