The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), representing e-hailing drivers in Lagos, has issued a stern ultimatum to app-based transportation companies like Uber, Bolt, and InDrive: address their grievances concerning exploitative working conditions and anti-labour practices or face a complete shutdown of services by May 1, 2025. This brewing conflict has reached a boiling point, with drivers expressing deep dissatisfaction over a range of issues, from unfair compensation and precarious working conditions to invasive surveillance technologies and unjust deactivations from the platforms. The union has announced a 24-hour warning strike planned for International Workers’ Day (May 1st, 2025) as an initial demonstration of their resolve. This planned action is intended to send a clear message to the app companies, highlighting the drivers’ collective frustration and demanding immediate attention to their concerns.
At the heart of the drivers’ discontent lies the issue of economic exploitation. They argue that the commission rates charged by the app companies are excessively high, leaving drivers with meager earnings despite long hours on the road. This financial strain is exacerbated by the rising costs of vehicle maintenance, fuel, and other operational expenses, making it increasingly difficult for drivers to make a decent living. The union contends that the current compensation structure is unsustainable and fails to recognize the significant contributions drivers make to the success of these platforms. They are demanding a fairer distribution of revenue that adequately reflects their efforts and ensures a livable income.
Beyond financial concerns, the drivers also raise serious concerns about their safety and security. They point to the lack of adequate measures to protect them from potential risks, including assaults, robberies, and accidents. The absence of comprehensive rider identification systems leaves drivers vulnerable to dangerous individuals, while the lack of support from the app companies in case of emergencies adds to their anxiety. Furthermore, the drivers feel that the companies prioritize rider satisfaction over driver safety, creating an imbalance that puts their wellbeing at risk. They demand improved safety protocols, including thorough background checks for riders and prompt assistance in emergencies.
The drivers are equally critical of what they perceive as invasive and discriminatory policies implemented by the app companies. The mandatory facial recognition systems are a particular point of contention, raising concerns about privacy violations and potential biases in the technology. Drivers feel that these systems are intrusive and unnecessary, adding another layer of surveillance to their already demanding work environment. They also oppose the arbitrary and often unexplained deactivations from the platforms, which can leave drivers without income and recourse. They demand greater transparency and due process in deactivation procedures, ensuring that drivers are not unfairly penalized.
The planned 24-hour strike on May Day is a critical juncture in this ongoing struggle. It represents a united front against what the drivers perceive as exploitative practices and a disregard for their fundamental rights. The success of this action will depend on the level of participation and the response from the app companies. Should the companies fail to engage in meaningful dialogue and address the drivers’ concerns, the union has threatened a complete withdrawal of services by May 1, 2025, potentially disrupting transportation services across Lagos. This drastic measure underscores the drivers’ determination to secure fair treatment and decent working conditions.
This escalating conflict highlights the growing tensions within the gig economy, particularly in developing countries where regulatory frameworks are often weak or nonexistent. The drivers’ demands for fair compensation, safe working conditions, and respect for their rights reflect a broader call for greater accountability and ethical practices within the app-based transportation industry. The outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for the future of the gig economy, setting a precedent for other workers in similar precarious employment situations. The drivers’ struggle in Lagos underscores the urgent need for a regulatory environment that protects the rights and well-being of gig workers while ensuring the sustainability of these platforms.
