App-Based Transport Workers in Nigeria Threaten Indefinite Strike Over Unresolved Demands

The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transport Workers of Nigeria (AUATWON) has declared its intention to commence an indefinite strike due to the failure of app-based companies to engage in negotiations and meet its demands.

Jossy Olawale, the Chairman of Media and Publicity for the union, conveyed this information in an official statement.

Olawale explained that despite issuing a seven-working-day ultimatum on June 9 to facilitate discussions, the union’s attempts to reach a mutually agreeable resolution with the companies were unsuccessful.

The union expressed dissatisfaction with the companies’ decision to implement a 40 percent fare increase against their request for a 200 percent increase needed to cushion the effect of 300 percent in fuel pump prices.

“The ultimatum issued was to suspend the strike and pave the way for dialogue between the union and the app companies.

“This Tuesday, the seven-working-day ultimatum will elapse.

“However, the union feels so disappointed that none of these app companies listened to the genuine complaints of app-based members or implemented even half of what the union members are demanding.

“Instead, some of the companies resulted in paltry implementation of less than 40 per cent respectively, even though the pump price of petrol has gone up by more than 300 per cent.

“Also, the companies are expecting drivers to fill the balance or subsidise the gaps with accumulated losses for the riders and their commission,” he said.

According to Olawale, among the union’s demands was a 50 percent reduction in the companies’ earning commission to alleviate the financial strain on the drivers caused by the rising fuel prices.

However, he noted that the companies, contrary to the union’s request, actually increased their commission by 25 percent.

“The union has written letters to the Federal Ministry of Labour, Nigeria Bar Association, Nigeria Labour Congress and other relevant stakeholders to midwive a process of dialogue toward amicable resolution of the numerous challenges faced by app-based transport workers.

“We have chosen this option as law abiding citizens in the interest of numerous customers who largely depend on our services.

“We are hoping that the process will take place in the coming week and hopefully, will be productive for all and sundry,” he said.

He made a plea to the government to prioritize the welfare of app-based transport workers in Nigeria while implementing relief measures to counter the impact of fuel subsidy removal.

He emphasized the union’s desire for a regulatory framework to govern the industry and requested the provision of a special grant or loan for car financing purposes to support its members.

“We are the most affected informal sector, whose operational costs depend solely on premium motor spirit (petrol).

“We are also calling on the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to immediately intervene in the process of acquiring Lagride, the condition of service and welfare of drivers, which in the union’s opinion have eroded the governor’s main intention of empowerment and job creation,” Olawale said.