Seek govt’s intervention on issues E-hailing drivers, under the aegis of Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transport Workers of Nigeria (AUATWON), have called on government to address the lingering issues bedevilling the sector as it relates to connection with app-based companies. According to the union, the app firms, including Bolt, Uber, Lagride, among others, have failed to meet the demands of the drivers, which they described as disappointing to the union. AUATWON is also demanding that the app firms should reopen the blocked accounts of the drivers to enable them to carry out their obligations. In a statement, yesterday, by its Chairman, Media and Publicity, Jossy Adaraniwon, AUATWON said it is pertinent to inform teeming members across the nation, government at various levels and the media about the seven days ultimatum issued to the app companies during AUATWON nationwide strike demanding an increase in transportation fare up to 200 per cent, reduction in commission by 50 per cent, N2,000 minimum trip and five per cent discount for passengers, among others. According to him, the ultimatum was to pave way for dialogue between the union and the app companies. He said by tomorrow, June 20, 2023, the seven days ultimatum would elapse but none of the app companies had yielded to the demands of the union. He said some of them resulted in paltry implementation of less than 40 per cent and they are expecting drivers to fill the balance or subsidise the gap with accumulated losses for riders and their commission. “We have also find it irrational that this ride hailing companies have remained adamant and unconcerned concerning the demand to reduce their homogeneous commission by 50 per cent,” he said. Adaraniwon said the union had written a letter to the Ministry of Labour, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and other relevant stakeholders to midwife a process of dialogue towards amicable resolution of the numerous challenges faced by app-based transport workers. Besides, he urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritise app-based transport workers, most of who are unemployed graduates that undertook driving e-hailing cab as a means of finding a legitimate means of living. He also called on Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to immediately intervene in the process of acquiring Lagride, not to undermine his main intention of empowerment and job creation. Meanwhile, efforts to reach out to Uber, Bolt and Lagride via mails proved abortive as at the time of filling in this report.
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