Uber and Bolt drivers in Abuja, under the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), have threatened to embark on a three-day strike to protest what they allege is the insensitivity of the apps.
This was disclosed to Technext by Evans Agada, the Vice Chairman of the FCT Council of the union.
According to Mr Agada, who also chairs the strike planning committee, the planned action will take place between February 9 and February 11. It is meant to address the unfair treatment and poor remuneration by app-based companies such as Uber, Bolt, and inDrive.
Stating that the strike has become inevitable and long overdue, Mr Agada noted that for years, drivers have endured unfair low fares, excessive commission charges, rising fuel prices, vehicle maintenance costs, and total neglect of driver welfare.
He noted that despite all attempts to settle amicably with the app companies following repeated complaints and engagements, they refused all entreaties.
“We own our vehicles, we maintain them, we fuel them, yet we are treated as disposable tools. Enough is enough,” the vice chairman said.
He also warned that the strike will be total. Over 1,500 drivers have agreed to shut down services within 24 hours of the decision. And, the number of drivers is growing. He explained that the overwhelming pledge of participation indicates how widespread the problem is.
“When people are pushed to the wall, unity becomes their strength,” he said.
Uber/Bolt/driver partnership is one-sided
The vice chairman, Evans Agada, also raised concerns about the nature of the partnership between app companies, such as Uber and Bolt, on one hand, and drivers on the other. He argued that the partnership is clearly one-sided in favour of the companies while disadvantageous to the drivers.
“You cannot call someone a partner and treat them like a slave. A true partnership comes with fair earnings, transparency, respect, and protection. What we experience is one-sided control, where companies determine fares, commissions, penalties, and even account deactivation without fair hearing,” he said.
In light of this, the chairman said drivers are demanding an increase in base fares for trips to reflect current economic realities. They are also demanding a reduction of excessive commission charges as well as transparent fare calculations.
Finally, they are demanding welfare and insurance protection and an end to unfair and arbitrary deactivations.
“We are not asking for luxury; we are asking for fairness and dignity,” he said.
The vice chairman further apologised to the public for any inconvenience, noting that the struggle is also in the public interest.
“A frustrated, exploited driver cannot deliver safe or quality service. When drivers are treated fairly, passengers benefit from better, safer transportation,” he said.
He also assured that the union has duly informed relevant security agencies and stakeholders about the intended strike, including the State Services (DSS), as well as the National Human Rights Commission. He also assured that the movement is peaceful, lawful, and aimed at protecting livelihoods, not disrupting society.
Finally, he called on the app companies to dialogue with the drivers and respect the union or face actions such as this.
“Drivers are the backbone of your business. Without drivers, there is no platform. We are open to dialogue, but we are no longer willing to suffer in silence,” he said.
