E-hailing drivers in Lagos State, operating under the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), have declared an indefinite strike. The strike, which began on Monday, is over unresolved disputes concerning fares, platform commissions, deductions, and drivers' welfare. AUATON, an affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), announced the action in a notice, stating that it would remain in force until further notice or satisfactory progress was made towards resolving their grievances.
The union cited unresolved concerns about operational policies, drivers' welfare, safety, security, and the long-term viability of their work as reasons for the strike. According to AUATON, despite repeated efforts by drivers and stakeholders to draw attention to these concerns, many of the issues remain unresolved. The strike is intended to compel action on issues affecting drivers' earnings and working conditions.
To mitigate the financial difficulties drivers may face during the industrial action, AUATON appealed to fleet owners and managers to temporarily suspend daily remittance requirements and related operational targets. The union noted that during the industrial action, drivers would not be generating their normal revenue, from which daily remittance obligations ordinarily arise.
AUATON also announced plans to deploy its task force across all local government areas in Lagos State to monitor compliance with the strike directive. The union warned that drivers who continued operating in defiance of its instructions could face disciplinary action under its internal rules. AUATON urged fleet owners, managers, and drivers to maintain open communication and engage in constructive discussions to resolve the disputes throughout the strike.
The union argued that meeting its demands could improve the sustainability of app-based transport operations by increasing drivers' earnings, strengthening welfare provisions, and improving working conditions. According to AUATON, 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 maintained that its intention was not to cause unnecessary disruption to businesses but to push for improved working conditions for drivers and other stakeholders in the industry. The notice was signed by the union's Lagos State Chairman, Jaiyesimi Olalabi Azeez, popularly known as Makavelli, who appealed to fleet partners to show understanding and cooperate during the industrial action.
The union reaffirmed its willingness to engage in peaceful discussions with fleet owners, managers, and other stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the grievances that led to the strike. AUATON hopes that the strike will bring attention to the plight of e-hailing drivers in Lagos State and prompt meaningful action to address their concerns.
Key points
- The strike by e-hailing drivers in Lagos State is over disputes concerning fares, platform commissions, deductions, and drivers' welfare.
- The union has appealed to fleet owners and managers to temporarily suspend daily remittance requirements and related operational targets during the strike.
- AUATON has deployed its task force to monitor compliance with the strike directive and warned that drivers who defy the strike could face disciplinary action.
