Digital Drivers In Nigeria Ready To Strike Over Union License Revocation

Ride-hailing drivers in Nigeria are taking a firm stand against Uber and Bolt, two of the biggest ride-hailing companies in the country, over their plans to undermine the power of the drivers’ union.

The Amalgamated Union of App-based Transport Workers of Nigeria (AUATWON), which represents the interests of the drivers, has threatened to protest against a plot that will see the union’s license revoked.

In December 2022, Nigeria approved the very first African app-based trade union for drivers, which gives the AUATWON the power to negotiate the terms and conditions of drivers working for ride-hailing companies like Uber and Bolt.

This means that the companies can no longer make decisions without consulting the drivers via the Union. However, the ride-hailing companies are unhappy with this situation and are lobbying the Nigerian Ministry of Labour to get the union’s license revoked.

Both Uber and Bolt are arguing that their drivers are independent contractors and not employees, meaning that they have no right to unionise or protest.

However, this argument has been challenged in other parts of the world, with courts in the UK ruling that Uber drivers are employees and not contractors. In the US, an appeal court has recently ruled that ride-hailing drivers are contractors.

In Africa, drivers of ride-hailing apps have held several strikes and protests after Uber and Bolt implemented harsh changes like increased commission fees and higher penalties.

Now, the AUATWON is threatening to go on strike if their license is revoked, which would cause a major disruption in the ride-hailing industry in Nigeria.

The AUATWON’s move to unionise ride-hailing drivers in Nigeria is a significant step in improving the working conditions and benefits of drivers who work for companies like Uber and Bolt.

However, it remains to be seen whether the union’s efforts will be successful in the face of the ride-hailing companies’ resistance.

As the dispute between the ride-hailing companies and drivers continues to escalate in Nigeria, it is clear that the fight for fair working conditions is far from over.

The AUATWON is determined to fight for the rights of ride-hailing drivers, and their threat to strike is a sign that they will not back down without a fight.

Whether the Nigerian government will support their efforts remains to be seen.