Amalgamated Union of App-based Transport Workers of Nigeria (AUATWN), comprising drivers under the platform of e-hailing companies like Uber and Bolt and a host of others, today began a nationwide warning strike.
The drivers, who withdraw their services by shutting down their Apps, said the hike in the price of premium motor spirit (PMS), popularly called petrol, made their business unprofitable.
A statement by the union said the increase by the app-based firms of between 25 and 30%, was far below the union’s demand for a 200% increase, and a 50% reduction in commission.
The statement reads further: “The union’s technical team is versed with the operation and technicality of ride-hailing companies and on our calculations, any app company can breakeven charging below five per cent even though the union recommended a flat commission of 10 or 50% 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.”
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.
