Due to demands for an increase in their incentive and fare, Bolts drivers have announced a three-day Nationwide service shutdown.
At a news conference on Wednesday in Calabar, the drivers—who are employed by the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transport Workers of Nigeria—announced their intention to protest.
The task team set up to impose the down tool was chaired by Mike Neji, the group’s treasurer, who called the alleged behavior of the union members by the management of the App-Based company “unfair.”
According to Mr. Neji, the recent increase in the price of gasoline at the pump and the ensuing increase in the price of spare parts justified the demand for an increase in the fare and their bonus part.
He described the terms and conditions given to bolt drivers in Calabar as the “most unfavourable in the country.
“Calabar remained the most adversely affected location as it concerns terms and conditions of driving and earnings compared to other places where the company is operating.
“Due to the increase in the price of fuel, we can no longer meet up, we want the management to increase the fare to at least N1,000 as a baseline.
“They should also reduce the commission they collect from us drivers.
“Currently, they are collecting about 35 per cent when you add other components of the charges they deduct.
“We are being charged for a lot of things at a time the prices of fuel, engine oil and car maintenance generally have gone up.
Nneji added, “In spite of the situation, the management is only adding N1000 or thereabout to the fare, which is not in any way commensurate with the reality on the ground.
He warned that if the group’s demands weren’t met by the corporation, it might be forced to look for an alternative.
Officials from the company in Calabar were unable to be reached for comment on the development.
The News Agency of Nigeria was informed by a firm employee that only the head office was authorized to respond to such matters.
