AUATON Orders Lagos E-Hailing Drivers to Halt Operations Indefinitely

Kehinde Adeleye

E-hailing drivers in Lagos State have declared an indefinite strike over disputes concerning fares, platform commissions, deductions and drivers’ welfare, with the action scheduled to begin on Monday.

The drivers, operating under the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), announced the industrial action in a notice issued on Sunday, saying it would continue until further notice or until satisfactory progress was made towards resolving their grievances.

The union, an affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), said the decision followed unresolved concerns over operational policies, earnings, safety, security, welfare and the long-term sustainability of app-based transport work.

“Despite repeated efforts by drivers and stakeholders to draw attention to these concerns, many of the issues remain unresolved,” AUATON said.

It explained that the strike was intended to compel relevant stakeholders to address issues affecting drivers’ income and working conditions.

Anticipating the financial pressure drivers could face during the shutdown, the union appealed to fleet owners and managers to temporarily suspend daily remittance obligations and related operational targets.

“During the industrial action, drivers will not be generating their normal revenue from which daily remittance obligations ordinarily arise,” the notice stated.

AUATON also urged fleet partners not to impose penalties, sanctions or other adverse measures on drivers solely because they participated in the strike, noting that they were not expected to operate during the period.

The union announced plans to deploy its task force across all local government areas in Lagos to monitor compliance with the strike directive.

It warned that drivers who continued operating in defiance of the directive could face disciplinary action under its internal rules.

AUATON called on fleet owners, managers and drivers to maintain open communication and pursue constructive discussions throughout the industrial action in a bid to resolve the disputes.

The union argued that addressing its demands could improve the sustainability of app-based transport operations by increasing drivers’ earnings, strengthening welfare provisions and improving working conditions.

It said better earnings and working conditions could also improve driver retention, reduce turnover, encourage greater commitment, support vehicle maintenance and promote more sustainable vehicle utilisation.

The union added that improved conditions could reduce operational disputes between drivers and fleet partners, contributing to greater stability across the sector.

AUATON maintained that the strike was not intended to cause unnecessary disruption to businesses but to secure better working conditions for drivers and other stakeholders in the industry.

The notice was signed by the union’s Lagos State Chairman, Jaiyesimi Olalabi Azeez, popularly known as Makavelli, who appealed to fleet partners to show understanding and cooperate during the industrial action.

The union reaffirmed its willingness to engage in peaceful discussions with fleet owners, managers and other stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the grievances behind the strike.