Lagos e-hailing drivers begin indefinite strike over earnings, fares and commissions

The Lagos state council of e-hailing drivers, under the aegis of Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), has announced a strike over “unresolved grievances” affecting their earnings and working conditions.   In a notice, the drivers said the industrial action, which began on October 12, would continue indefinitely until their concerns were addressed or satisfactory progress was made.   According to the notice, signed by Jaiyesimi Azeez, Lagos state chairman of AUATON, the union appealed to fleet partners for understanding and cooperation.   “Despite repeated efforts by drivers and stakeholders to draw attention to these concerns, many of the issues remain unresolved,” the union said.     AUATON said the decision to embark on the strike was driven by the need to address challenges affecting drivers’ earnings and working conditions.   To ease the impact of the industrial action, the union urged fleet owners and managers to temporarily suspend daily remittance obligations and related operational targets for the duration of the strike.   “During the industrial action, drivers will not be generating their normal revenue from which daily remittance obligations ordinarily arise,” AUATON said.     “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 union said its task force would be deployed across all local government areas in Lagos state to monitor compliance with the strike.   AUATON warned that drivers who operate in violation of its directives could face sanctions under its internal disciplinary measures.   The union, however, urged fleet owners, managers, and affected drivers to maintain open communication and address operational concerns through constructive engagement during the strike.     “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,” AUATON said.   The union added that improved earnings could also support vehicle maintenance and promote stability in the app-based transportation sector.   AUATON said its objective was not to disrupt businesses unnecessarily but to advocate better operating conditions for drivers and other stakeholders.    

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 […] Lagos e-hailing drivers begin indefinite strike over fares, commissions

E-hailing drivers in Lagos State have begun an indefinite strike over concerns about fare structures, commissions, deductions and their general welfare. Read More: https://punchng.com/lagos-e-hailing-drivers-begin-indefinite-strike-over-fares/