The Lagos State Council of the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has called off its drivers’ strike after four days off the road. In a statement sent to Technext and signed by State Chairman, Comrade Jaiyesimi Azeez, the union said the industrial action has been a success, and the cessation of the strike is necessary after an assessment of the situation.
“Following our assessment of the situation, I hereby announce that the ongoing industrial action and shutdown are officially called off, effective immediately. Drivers may resume their normal activities, while remaining attentive to further official union communications,” the statement reads.
The chairman also expressed appreciation to Lagos e-hailing drivers who stood with the movement throughout our four-day industrial action, noting that their sacrifice, solidarity, courage and commitment have demonstrated the power of collective action.
AUATON asks members to discard inDrive
The union further expressed its disappointment at inDrive, one of the major ride-hailing apps in the country, for the nonchalance displayed during the strike. According to the statement, the company failed to reach out during the industrial action, an inaction that demonstrated a lack of respect for the drivers that power its business, according to the union.
“Despite our collective action and the concerns raised by drivers, inDrive has not reached out to AUATON for meaningful engagement. This lack of engagement has deeply disappointed the union and raises serious concerns about the company’s willingness to listen to the people who make its business possible. As we move forward, AUATON is encouraging all drivers to reconsider their use of inDrive and uninstall the inDrive app on their phones,” the statement reads.
In its place, the union encouraged drivers to explore and download local apps that have been endorsed by the AUATON in Lagos. They include MyKab, Randbax and SimpliRide. By doing so, the union believes it can give Nigerians credible alternatives, as well as give the local apps an opportunity to demonstrate that they can provide a better, more sustainable experience for drivers.
Recall that ahead of the strike, which began on Monday, October 12, the other big e-hailing app, Bolt, announced that it was ready to dialogue with the drivers’ union to avert an industrial action in its largest operating city in Nigeria.
The company said it has noted the concerns raised by the Lagos State Council of AUATON regarding driver earnings, operating costs, platform charges, transparency, and welfare. It said it recognises the economic pressures facing drivers and understands the importance of maintaining a sustainable environment in which drivers can continue to earn and operate successfully.
“In this spirit, Bolt is committed to engaging AUATON and driver representatives in a roundtable discussion early next week to listen to their concerns, exchange perspectives and explore practical areas for further collaboration. We approach this engagement in good faith, with a shared interest in a safe, reliable and economically sustainable ride-hailing ecosystem,” Bolt’s Head of Regulatory and Policy in Africa, Weyinmi Aghadiuno, said.
The roundtable would eventually be held on Thursday, according to reports.
Read also: Bolt calls for dialogue with AUATON ahead of October 12 app shutdown/indefinite strike
On its part, inDrive said it noted with concern the ongoing conversation around ride-hailing fares, driver welfare, and commission fees in the sector and, as a company, it remains committed to supporting drivers through low service fees, improved earning opportunities, welfare partnerships and sustained engagement with our driver community. It, however, stressed that it still offers the lowest commission in the industry.
“We still charge the lowest commission fee in the industry. The decision to offer a reduced commission is intended to cushion the impact of the current economic situation on drivers and enable them to retain a greater share of their earnings,” Country Director Timothy Oladimeji said.
