App-based transport workers in Lagos have declared their intention to hold a mass protest on May 1, coinciding with International Workers’ Day, to challenge what they describe as persistent anti-labour practices by major ride-hailing platforms including Uber, Bolt, inDrive, Lagride, and Rida.
The demonstration, spearheaded by the Lagos chapter of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), will involve a coordinated boycott of the platforms by thousands of drivers. According to the union, the protest aims to spotlight longstanding grievances such as meagre earnings, arbitrary account deactivations, rising security concerns, and unfavourable working conditions.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, AUATON’s Public Relations Officer, Steven Iwindoye, accused the ride-hailing companies of deliberately sidelining drivers’ concerns and showing “blatant disregard”; for their welfare and rights.
“We have tried dialogue, and it has not worked,”; Iwindoye said.
“These companies only understand one language: the language of economic pressure. By shutting down our services, we are sending a clear message that we will not be ignored or disrespected.”;
The union is also raising concerns over what it calls exorbitant commission charges, the mandatory use of facial recognition technology, and inadequate passenger verification measures, issues it says expose drivers to continuous safety risks.
