The App-based drivers said the strike became necessary because the hike in the price of fuel is higher than the fare increase by the ride-hailing transport companies.
By Saidu Idris
365Daily – App-based drivers including those working for Uber and Bolt, will today begin an indefinite strike nationwide to protest against the failure of their companies to reflect the percentage of increase in the price of fuel on their fares.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the joint union of App-based transport workers of Nigeria became necessary because the hike in the price of fuel is higher than the fare increase by the ride-hailing transport companies.
The statement disclosed that they had requested for a 200 percent increase in the fares and a 50 percent reduction in commission paid to their companies, but what was granted was between 25 and 30 percent increase, a significantly less figure.
“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.