Ride-hailing drivers under the umbrella of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters, AUATON, have said that they will embark on strike action to demand improved working conditions for app-based transport workers.
Chairman of AUATON in Rivers, Omoruyi Amos, disclosed this to newsmen on Thursday during a news conference in Port Harcourt, stating that the strike would commence on May 1.
According to him, members of the union, including Uber, Bolt, and InDrive drivers, were being exploited by the operators of the ride-hailing platforms.
Amos said the industrial action would also take place in major cities across Nigeria and the world.
“The global log-off movement, in which the AUATON chapter in Rivers State will fully participate, is aimed at demanding improved working conditions for app-based transport workers.
“This decision was reached during an emergency meeting of the Rivers State Administrative Council, SAC, of AUATON held on April 23,” he said.
AUATON chairman further stated that during the meeting, members unanimously agreed to log off from their Uber, Bolt, InDrive, and other ride-hailing applications in protest.
“As a union, we can no longer remain silent while our members continue to suffer under these unjust and unsustainable conditions,” he added.
He also announced that a rally would be held on May 1 to mark International Workers’ Day at the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, Secretariat in Port Harcourt.
He urged members of the union to assemble at the secretariat to demonstrate solidarity and raise awareness for their cause.
“The rally will serve as both a protest and a call to the government, stakeholders, and the public to support the fight for justice and dignity in Nigeria’s rapidly growing app-based transport sector.
“This global action represents a united stand by drivers worldwide, declaring that enough is enough,” Amos concluded.
