The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transport Workers of Nigeria (AUATWON) has made a significant decision by temporarily suspending their planned strike. The union, in an effort to engage in productive discussions with the government, has opted to prioritize dialogue over immediate industrial action.
According to a statement released by Jossy Olawale, the Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee of the union, the scheduled meeting involving the Ministry of Labour and Employment, app-based companies such as Uber and Bolt, and the union itself, has been rescheduled from June 20 to June 26. This shift aims to ensure that constructive and meaningful conversations take place.
Olawale emphasized that the upcoming meeting will serve as a platform for open dialogue between the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the app-based companies, and the union. It is an opportunity to address the concerns and challenges faced by workers in light of the drastic 300% increase in fuel pump prices. The chairman expressed dismay over the negative impact of this price hike on workers’ service delivery, recognizing the burden it has placed on their earnings and overall living standards.
The removal of fuel subsidies has had a ripple effect, creating an arduous situation that workers are grappling with. The AUATWON acknowledges the need to address these challenges, ensuring that workers are able to sustain their livelihoods and provide efficient services to the public. By suspending the strike, the union demonstrates its commitment to engaging in constructive discussions and seeking viable solutions to mitigate the adverse effects of the fuel price hike.
