BEVERLY HILLS, April 18, (THEWILL) – Uber and Bolt e-hailing cab drivers have threatened to commence an indefinite strike in Lagos State with effect from Monday, the 19th of April 2021.
The drivers, under the umbrella of Professional E-Hailing Drivers and Private Owners Association (PEDPA) are demanding an increase in fares being charged by the operators. They threatened to embark on strike if their demands were not met.
National President of PEDPA, Idris Shonuga, during a press conference in Lagos called for an immediate upward review in the e-cab fares in view of the current economic realities of Nigeria.
According to Shonuga, over 95 per cent of e-hailing transactions are consummated through Uber and Bolt platforms.
He said that the companies had refused to review its pricing despite unprecedented increases in the price of fuel, vehicles spare parts, food items and other essential commodities in the country.
“In a quest to work and harmoniously at resolving some issues, the association wrote several letters to the companies which was not attended to, showing nonchalant attitude towards our plight.
“Your companies have failed, refused and neglected to honour our request for a meeting to discuss issues beneficial to all e-hailing drivers in Nigeria.
“And to fashion a harmonious relationship that will benefit, dignify and improve the standard of living of e-hailing drivers, private car owners and the general standard of e-hailing business in the country.
“Instead of fixing a new and reasonable fare in line with inflation, the companies have recklessly continued to maintain the low fare, thereby, impoverishing hard working young Nigerians who are diligently and lawfully trying to make a decent living”, Shonuga said.
The e-cab operators also demanded adequate welfare package for drivers and compensation to the families of those that lost their lives or are permanently disabled in the line of duty,
The association said that more than 15 drivers had lost their lives, while some had been permanently disabled in accidents in the course of the service.
More than 20 others have also lost their lives through kidnapping or killed by ritualists without any compensation from the operators, the association said.
Shonuga said that the association was considering taking legal action to seek remedies against the e-hailing companies if their demands were not met.
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