By Gom Mirian
The joint union of App-based Transport Workers of Nigeria comprised of drivers who use the platform of e-hailing firms like Bolt and Uber, have declared their intention to commence a nationwide strike today, Wednesday.
A statement by the union on Tuesday night made available to Africa Health Report stated that the action is following the hike in the price of Premium Motor Spirit, and decried the low fare increase by the ride-hailing transport companies.
The rise by the app-based companies, according to a statement from the union, was between 25 and 30 percent, significantly less than the union’s demands of a 200 percent increase and, accordingly, a 50 percent reduction in commission.
“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 per cent or 50 per cent 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,” the statement read in part.
