Bolt, Uber drivers begin three-day strike in Lagos

The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria,AUATON, Lagos State chapter, has declared a three-day strike beginning onSunday over concerns about working conditions and earnings in the app-basedtransport sector. The announcement was made by the union’s Public RelationsOfficer, Steven Iwindoye, during a press briefing in Lagos on Sunday. According to the union, drivers operating on ride-hailingplatforms across the state are grappling with what it described as worseningeconomic realities, including rising fuel costs, vehicle maintenance expenses,inflation and other daily operational challenges. Iwindoye said drivers using platforms such as Uber, Bolt,inDrive and Lagride have repeatedly complained that fare structures andoperational policies have not been adjusted to reflect the current economicconditions. “Drivers operating on platforms such as Uber, Bolt, inDrive,and Lagride face rising operational costs, including high fuel prices, vehiclemaintenance, inflation, and daily living expenses. “Unfortunately, fare structures and policies of thesecompanies have not been adjusted to reflect these economic realities. Thousandsof drivers now struggle to earn a sustainable income despite working longhours,” he said. The union explained that the strike was necessary to pushfor urgent reforms within the industry and to address the challenges affectingapp-based transport workers. During the three-day industrial action, drivers across Lagosare expected to log off from all ride-hailing platforms, effectively suspendingservices throughout the period. Iwindoye clarified that the action was not aimed atinconveniencing commuters but rather to demand fair treatment, improvedeconomic conditions and enhanced safety measures for drivers who provideessential transportation services. He added that the union had submitted a list of 10 demandsto ride-hailing companies and relevant authorities. Among the demands are an immediate review of fare structuresto reflect the rising costs of fuel, vehicle maintenance and inflation, as wellas a reduction in commission rates charged by ride-hailing companies to enabledrivers earn sustainable incomes. Other demands include the introduction of a regulatedminimum base fare to prevent extremely low-paying trips, improved riderverification systems, and the deployment of functional emergency panic buttonsalongside rapid real-time response mechanisms to address security threats facedby drivers. The union also called for comprehensive accident, health andlife insurance coverage for drivers while they are active on ride-hailingplatforms. Iwindoye stated that at the end of the three-day shutdown,the union would assess responses from both the ride-hailing companies andgovernment authorities to determine whether the strike would be suspended orextended. He apologised to Lagos residents for any inconvenience theaction might cause, noting that the union remains open to dialogue. The spokesperson also urged the Lagos State Government,regulatory agencies and the management of ride-hailing companies to engage withdriver representatives to address the issues raised.

Read More