E-hailing drivers in Lagos State have commenced an indefinite strike over concerns about fare structures, commissions, deductions and welfare.
The drivers, under the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), announced the industrial action in a notice seen by PUNCH Metro on Saturday, stating that the strike would begin on Monday and continue until further notice or until satisfactory progress was made in addressing their grievances.
AUATON, an affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), said the strike followed persistent concerns over operational policies, drivers’ welfare, safety, security and the sustainability of their operations.
“Despite repeated efforts by drivers and stakeholders to draw attention to these concerns, many of the issues remain unresolved,” the union said.
The union added that the decision to embark on the strike was driven by the need to address challenges affecting drivers’ earnings and working conditions.
To cushion the impact of the industrial action, AUATON appealed to fleet owners and managers to grant drivers temporary relief from daily remittance obligations and related operational targets throughout the strike.
“During the industrial action, drivers will not be generating their normal revenue from which daily remittance obligations ordinarily arise.
“We, therefore, appeal to fleet partners to refrain from imposing penalties, sanctions or adverse measures solely on the basis of a driver’s participation in the action, as drivers are not expected to operate during this period,” the notice read.
The union said its task force would be deployed across all local government areas in Lagos State to monitor compliance with the strike directive.
It warned that drivers found operating in violation of its directives could face sanctions under its internal disciplinary measures.
AUATON, however, urged fleet owners, managers and affected drivers to maintain open communication and address operational concerns through constructive engagement during the strike.
Highlighting the potential benefits of meeting its demands, the union said improved earnings, welfare and operating conditions could boost driver retention, reduce turnover and strengthen drivers’ commitment to their work.
“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,” it said.
The union added that better earnings could also support vehicle maintenance and promote stability in the app-based transportation sector.
It stressed that its objective was not to disrupt businesses unnecessarily but to advocate improved operating conditions for drivers and other stakeholders.
The notice was signed by the Lagos State Chairman of AUATON, Jaiyesimi Olalabi Azeez, popularly known as Makavelli, who appealed to fleet partners for understanding and cooperation.
The union reiterated its commitment to peaceful engagement and constructive dialogue with fleet owners, managers and other stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the issues prompting the industrial action.
