E-hailing drivers in Lagos State have declared an indefinite strike over disputes concerning fares, platform commissions, deductions and their welfare
The drivers, operating under the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria, AUATON, announced the action in a notice yesterday, stating that it would begin on Monday and remain in force until further notice or satisfactory progress was made towards resolving their grievances.
AUATON, an affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, said the decision followed unresolved concerns about operational policies, drivers’ welfare, safety, security and the long-term viability of their work.
“Despite repeated efforts by drivers and stakeholders to draw attention to these concerns, many of the issues remain unresolved,” the union said.
It explained that the strike was intended to compel action on issues affecting drivers’ earnings and working conditions.
Anticipating the financial difficulties drivers could face during the industrial action, AUATON appealed to fleet owners and managers to temporarily suspend daily remittance requirements and related operational targets.
“During the industrial action, drivers will not be generating their normal revenue from which daily remittance obligations ordinarily arise.
“We, therefore, appeal to fleet partners to refrain from imposing penalties, sanctions or adverse measures solely on the basis of a driver’s participation in the action, as drivers are not expected to operate during this period,” the notice read.
The union also announced plans to deploy its task force across all local government areas in Lagos State to monitor compliance with the strike directive.
It warned that drivers who continued operating in defiance of its instructions could face disciplinary action under its internal rules.
AUATON urged fleet owners, managers and drivers to maintain open communication and engage in constructive discussions to resolve the disputes throughout the strike.
The union argued that meeting its demands could improve the sustainability of app-based transport operations by increasing drivers’ earnings, strengthening welfare provisions and improving working conditions.
“Meaningful improvements in driver earnings, welfare and operating conditions may contribute to improved driver retention and reduced turnover, better driver commitment and engagement, more sustainable vehicle utilisation and reduced operational disputes between drivers and fleet partners,” it said.
It added that better earnings could also support vehicle maintenance and promote greater stability across the app-based transport sector.
AUATON maintained that its intention was not to cause unnecessary disruption to businesses but to push for improved working conditions for drivers and other stakeholders in the industry.
The notice was signed by the union’s Lagos State Chairman, Jaiyesimi Olalabi Azeez, popularly known as Makavelli, who appealed to fleet partners to show understanding and cooperate during the industrial action.
The union reaffirmed its willingness to engage in peaceful discussions with fleet owners, managers and other stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the grievances that prompted the strike.
