AUATON shuns Bolt and inDrive, backs local e-hailing apps to help tackle industry challenges

The Lagos State Council of the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has expressed support for local e-hailing apps as effective tools to tackle critical challenges caused by foreign apps like Bolt and inDrive. This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Lagos State Chapter Chairman, Comrade Jaiyesimi Azeez and seen by Technext.

While expressing concern about the frustrations being experienced by drivers occasioned by poor fares, excessive commissions, unilateral decisions by app companies, deteriorating working conditions and the continued disregard for the legitimate concerns of drivers, the union, however, noted that overcoming these frustrations is a matter of strategy.

AUATON pointed out that measures like protests and strike actions have all failed because drivers could not afford to stay away from apps long enough to achieve any meaningful change. Thus, to ensure that future strike actions do not jeopardise the livelihood of drivers, the union is recommending the onboarding of drivers to indigenous apps as alternatives.

“When the time comes, and the Union calls for collective industrial action, the objective will no longer simply be to stop working and stay at home. Instead, the objective will be to create a situation where drivers can collectively withdraw their services from platforms that refuse to respect their legitimate demands for 3 days while still having an alternative means to migrate and earn through an indigenous platform. We want an action that the app companies will genuinely feel our impact and respect our demands,” the union said.

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AUATON said the strategy would allow drivers to withdraw from non-compliant platforms during collective action while continuing to earn through alternative services. The union believes this could strengthen its bargaining position.

The union also said it has been engaging with indigenous app companies and is currently at the finalisation stage with some of them.

“Our position is straightforward: even if only one indigenous platform is fully ready, the necessary agreement will be concluded, and the details will be made public for all drivers to see and understand,” the statement reads.

AUATON cautions local apps against fake promises

AUATON also warned against false promises being made by local apps in a bid to lure drivers onto their platforms, noting that it won’t ask drivers to move to any alternative platform based on rumours or empty promises. It noted that any agreement reached with any alternative platform will be properly communicated so that drivers can clearly understand the terms, obligations and benefits.

The union also appealed to angry and frustrated drivers to exercise just a little more patience, as the process of demanding better working conditions has already begun. It said a task force has already been created to enforce compliance, and drivers should not allow their frustration to push them into taking actions that have not been properly planned.

“We are building the structure required to make our collective voice stronger. No individual driver, no matter how hardworking or influential, can force a multinational platform to change its policies alone. But when thousands of drivers speak with one voice, under one recognised union, with a clear strategy and a viable alternative, the balance of power changes,” the app-based drivers’ union said.

AUATON also urged drivers to remain united, disciplined, and above all, remain committed to the collective struggle.

“The battle for better fares, fairer commissions, improved welfare, driver participation in industry decisions and respect for the dignity of app-based transporters is not a one-day battle. It is a struggle for the future of our profession and the future of every driver who depends on this industry for survival. Let us therefore trust the process, remain calm and allow the union to complete what it has started,” the union said.