Drivers threaten strike against bolt, Uber, others over ill treatment

DRIVERS, under the e- hailing platforms for Uber and Bolt, have disclosed plans to embark on a strike action against the ride- hail - ing services over unfavourable business practice.

Besides, the drivers said the two app providers took uni - lateral decisions, fixed inequitable commissions for themselves, unhealthy trip fares and denied them the right to belong to a union.

However, the drivers, under the auspices of Professional E- Hailing Drivers & PrivateOwners Association ( PEDPA), said ignoble practice of the ride- sharing platform was constantly maltreating drivers and leading to poor delivery of service.

In a letter to the app- hailing companies dated April 1st, titled:’ Re: Introduction of professional e- hailing driv - ers and private- owners association and request for synergy meeting’, stated that inspite of several letters to the e- hailing companies, Uber and Bolt have failed to honour PEPDA’S request for a meeting to discuss issues beneficial to all e - hailing drivers in Nigeria and to fashion out harmonious relationship that will benefit, dignify and improve the standard of living of e - hailing drivers/ private car owners as well as the general standard of e - hailing business in Nigeria.

The letter jointly signed by PEDPA’S National President, Idris Shonuga and National Secretary, Titilayo Ajani, read: “We are saddened that despite the unprecedented increase in the price of fuel, motor vehicles spare parts, food items and other essential items/ commodities in Nigeria and rather than the e- hailing companies considering fixing a new and reasonable fare in line with the unprecedented increase, your company has recklessly continued to maintain the low fare and/ or reduce the fare payable per trip by the riders thereby impoverishing hard working young Nigerians who were diligently and lawfully trying to make a decent living.