June 21, 2023

The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transport Workers of Nigeria (AUATWON), has suspended its planned indefinite strike to allow for dialogue with government.

This is contained in a statement by Jossy Olawale, Chairman, Media and Publicity Committee of the union, on Wednesday in Lagos.

Olawale said that the meeting was scheduled for June 26 to allow for dialogue.

He said that the meeting would involve the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the app-based companies (Uber and Bolt) and the union.

“The union and some app companies had earlier scheduled a meeting with the ministry for June 20, but got a letter that the meeting has been rescheduled for Monday, June 26.

“As a result of this, we wish to announce that the strike would not hold until to allow the meeting to hold as stated,“ he said.

The chairman expressed dismay over the challenges facing workers since the fuel pump price increased by “300 per cent”.

According to him, the increase has impacted negatively on workers’ service delivery.

“We are concerned about the various challenges and multiplier effect the 300 per cent hike in the pump price of petrol has on our service delivery.

“The removal of fuel subsidy has created a burden of over 200 per cent loss on earnings and poor living style and capacity.

“We are also burdened by the lack of motivation and low morale toward work; aggression and poor customer service,” he said.