The drivers will stop working for 24 hours, refusing to provide services on platforms such as Uber, Bolt, and inDrive. 

This protest, timed with International Workers’ Day, seeks to highlight the challenges drivers face and demand better working conditions, fair pay, and a more respectful approach from the companies they work for.

The issues behind the protest are numerous and longstanding. Lagos Drivers, among others, have faced a range of problems including poor wages, sudden deactivations, and concerns over safety. 

The union is also fighting against excessive commission charges and policies they say exploit workers, such as mandatory facial recognition systems and a lack of proper rider identification. They argue that app companies, like Uber and Bolt, have long prioritized their profits over the well-being of their drivers.

As AUATON spokesperson Steven Iwindoye explained, despite multiple attempts at dialogue, the app companies have ignored drivers’ concerns. “We have tried dialogue, and it hasn’t worked. These companies only understand one language: the language of economic pressure,” he said. 

This strike is a direct response to the companies’ indifference to drivers’ rights and the growing feeling of exploitation within the sector.

Iwindoye, speaking on the union’s strategy, emphasized that the May Day strike would be different from previous protests. “Believe me, this will be different,” he said, stressing that the union aims to mobilize at least 5,000 drivers for the shutdown. 

They are determined to make their voices heard, hoping that the protest will send a message to app-based companies that drivers will no longer accept being treated unfairly.

In the past, similar actions have been taken, with drivers shutting down services in response to what they described as exploitative fare cuts. 

Earlier this year, Bolt reduced its fares by 50%, a move that angered drivers who felt they were already struggling to make a living. 

The company later reversed the decision after objections, but it highlighted the power dynamics between drivers and the app companies. Drivers see such fare slashes as a deliberate strategy to increase market share at their expense.

The union also called out inDrive, another ride-hailing service, for slashing fares, forcing drivers to work for lower wages. “The only Play drive Indrive has is a low price. Nothing more,” one driver said, describing the company’s pricing tactics as unsustainable for those providing the services.

With these unresolved issues continuing to fester, the AUATON is determined to use this May Day strike to make a real impact. The protest is not just a local affair but part of a global call to action for better treatment of app-based drivers worldwide.

For many drivers, the shutdown is a fight for dignity and a better quality of life. “The job is ridiculing a lot of drivers, and it is sad. Some drivers can’t even fix their cars when they break down,” one driver shared, highlighting the harsh realities they face. 

The strike is an attempt to push against policies that damage their livelihoods, forcing them to work in conditions they deem unsafe and unfair.

The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), Lagos State Chapter, has threatened a protest if the decision is not reversed.

AUATON’s Lagos Public Relations Officer, Steven Iwindoye, spoke about the impact of the price cut on drivers, many of whom are already stressed by the high costs of living. “This drastic reduction in earnings has severe negative impacts on all AUATON members, who are already struggling to make ends meet,” he stated.

The union has accused Bolt, along with other ride-hailing companies like Uber, inDrive, and Rida, of continuously introducing price cuts without considering the financial burden on drivers. 

Iwindoye warned that the latest fare reduction had brought drivers to a breaking point, stressing that the only way forward was collective action.

As part of their response, the union is mobilising drivers for a statewide protest. “We call on all drivers, regardless of union affiliation, to participate in the upcoming protest. We cannot afford to have drivers undermining the effort by continuing to work and accepting the unfair conditions. The protest’s success relies on the unity and solidarity of all drivers,” he said.

Iwindoye also criticised drivers who hesitate to take a stand or work against the collective interests of their colleagues. He urged them to use this moment to push for better conditions. “This protest is an opportunity for drivers to put aside their differences and work towards a common goal,” he added.

While the protest date is yet to be announced, AUATON is calling on drivers to immediately show their dissatisfaction by writing to Bolt. “Writing to Bolt and registering our displeasure with the 50 per cent price slash is a crucial step. This will demonstrate our collective dissatisfaction and prepare the ground for the upcoming protest,” Iwindoye said.

The union insists that only a united front can force ride-hailing companies to reconsider their pricing policies and ensure that drivers earn fair wages for their services.

The Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), a registered trade union formed in 2023, is advocating for better wages, security measures, and a more transparent system for driver deactivation.

“The document, which we call the collective agreement, is about how the government, app-based companies, drivers, and riders can have a fair share of responsibilities in the industry,” said Kolawole Aina, South-West zonal chairman of AUATON.

AUATON’s push for regulation comes with concerns about low pay, high commissions charged by ride-hailing companies like Uber, Bolt, and InDrive, and a lack of security for drivers.

“As a union, we saw the problems, created solutions and presented the solutions to government,” Aina explained. “The federal ministries of transport and labour accepted it, but the Lagos State government has not given us a listening ear.”

The collective agreement seeks to address these issues by establishing minimum pricing standards, capping commission fees, and ensuring a clear and fair process for driver deactivation.

AUATON is also highlighting the growing safety risks faced by ride-hailing drivers. Aina pointed to the tragic death of the union’s deputy president earlier this year from fatigue and the dangers posed by “criminally-minded customers.”

The union is calling for mandatory insurance coverage for drivers, riders, vehicles, and belongings during trips. This would provide financial protection in case of accidents, theft, or violence.

AUATON is against the reliance on algorithms by ride-hailing companies for driver management. Aina argues that human intervention is essential in decision-making processes that impact driver livelihoods.

AUATON’s advocacy is in line with the current situation of unionization among app-based transportation workers across Nigeria. The union’s formation in 2023 stemmed from driver discontent with pay cuts implemented by Uber in 2016, highlighting a long-standing struggle for fair treatment in the industry.

The Lagos State Government is yet to respond to AUATON’s demands.