E-hailing drivers in Lagos State have begun an indefinite strike over disputes concerning fare structures, commissions, deductions and welfare....
E-hailing drivers in Lagos State have begun an indefinite strike over disputes concerning fare structures, commissions, deductions and welfare.
The drivers, operating under the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) sccording to a report by Punch, announced the industrial action in a notice, stating that it would continue until further notice or satisfactory progress was made in resolving their grievances.
The union, an affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), said the strike followed persistent concerns over operational policies, drivers’ earnings, welfare, safety, security and the sustainability of app-based transport operations.
“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 action was necessary to address challenges affecting drivers’ incomes and working conditions, adding that the existing arrangements had continued to generate concerns among its members.
As part of measures to ease the impact of the strike, AUATON appealed to fleet owners and managers to suspend daily remittance obligations and related operational targets for the duration of the industrial action.
The union noted that drivers would not generate their usual revenue while the strike lasted and should therefore not be penalised for failing to meet daily payment obligations.
“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 stated.
The union also announced plans to deploy its task force across all local government areas in Lagos to monitor compliance with the strike directive.
It warned that drivers who continued operating in violation of its directives could face sanctions under its internal disciplinary procedures.
The union urged fleet owners, managers and drivers to maintain communication and pursue constructive engagement to resolve the disputes.
It argued that improved earnings, welfare and operating conditions would benefit both drivers and fleet partners by improving retention, reducing turnover and strengthening drivers’ commitment.
“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.
AUATON added that better earnings could also support vehicle maintenance and promote stability across the app-based transport sector.
The union stressed that its objective was not to disrupt businesses unnecessarily but to secure better working conditions for drivers and other stakeholders.
The notice was signed by AUATON’s Lagos State Chairman, Jaiyesimi Olalabi Azeez, popularly known as Makavelli, who appealed to fleet partners for understanding and cooperation.
The union reiterated its commitment to peaceful engagement and dialogue with fleet owners, managers and other stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the issues behind the strike.