Bolt, Uber drivers go on strike over ‘low fares’, demand 200% hike

BOLT and Uber drivers, under the aegis of the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transport Workers of Nigeria (AUATWON), have commenced a nationwide strike occasioned by welfare concerns following the hike in the cost of petrol.

The strike which commenced on Wednesday, June 7, was to protest against what they described as ‘low fare increase’ by the ride-hailing transport companies, Bolt, Uber and others.

In line with the strike, the drivers are to shut down service on all ride-hailing applications from Wednesday.

The development followed failure of ride-hailing companies to agree with the driver’s demand for a 200 per cent hike in fares and a 50 per cent reduction in commission, respectively, to level up with the recent hike in the petrol pump price.

Following the increase in the fuel pump price, The ICIR observed that Bolt and Uber drivers have been charging riders additional fees besides what was displayed by the apps.

The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) hiked the fuel pump price after President Bola Tinubu declared in his inaugural address that fuel subsidy has been removed.

The development led to a sharp rise in the cost of transportation on different routes as commercial cab drivers transfer the additional cost of petrol on passengers.

In the statement released to announce the commencement of the strike on Wednesday, the Bolt and Uber drivers’ union noted that the rate increase implemented by the app-based companies only represents 25 to 30 per cent. According to the statement, the increment was far less than the 200 per cent hike demanded by members, in addition to 50 per cent reduction in commission.