By Ifeoluwa Odunayo
In a bold move to challenge what they call exploitative and unsafe work conditions, drivers on popular ride hailing platforms Bolt and Uber will stage a 24 hour strike on May 1.
The protest, coordinated by the Lagos chapter of the Amalgamated Union of App Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), is set to begin on International Workers’ Day.
The drivers will log off all platforms in a united call for fair treatment, improved pay, and safer work environments.
AUATON’s Public Relations Officer, Steven Iwindoye, announced the industrial action in a statement released Tuesday, citing years of neglect and disregard for drivers’ welfare by ride hailing companies.
According to the union, drivers face poor remuneration, frequent and unjust deactivations, insecurity, and dangerous working conditions without adequate support from the companies that profit off their labour.
As tension builds ahead of the strike, the action promises to disrupt services across Lagos and draw national attention to the plight of app based transport workers demanding dignity, fairness and respect.
