Rivers AUATON Condemns Bolt’s ‘Disrespectful’ Call for Dialogue with Drivers
The Rivers State chapter of the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has strongly condemned and rejected a recent call for dialogue initiated by ride-hailing giant Bolt. The union, which represents a significant number of app-based drivers in the state, has labeled the company’s approach as a significant sign of disrespect, escalating tensions between the tech platform and its on-the-ground workforce. Speaking with Technext, Comrade Amos Omoruyi, the State Council Chairman for AUATON, voiced the union’s official position, highlighting a complete breakdown in communication and a perceived slight against the organization’s government-recognized authority. This development underscores the growing friction within Nigeria’s gig economy as drivers increasingly seek formal representation to address persistent welfare and operational concerns.
Bolt Accused of Bypassing Official Union Channels
The core of the dispute, as detailed by Comrade Omoruyi, is Bolt’s decision to completely ignore a formal request for engagement from the union. He explained that earlier in June, the Rivers State Council of AUATON had dispatched an official letter to the company, formally requesting an inclusive and open dialogue. The goal was to collaboratively address a list of long-standing driver demands and serious welfare concerns. Despite this official outreach, the union claims it received no response or even a basic acknowledgment of its correspondence. To the union’s surprise, Bolt then proceeded to schedule a meeting by sending invitations directly to individual drivers, effectively circumventing the established union leadership. The Chairman described this as a clear disregard for the union, which is an organisation approved by the government to protect driver interests.
This move by Bolt is interpreted by AUATON as more than just a procedural misstep; it is seen as a pointed disregard for the collective bargaining power and official mandate of the union. By attempting to engage with drivers on an individual basis, Bolt is accused of employing a strategy that undermines the recognized structure for negotiation. The union firmly believes that as a body officially tasked with overseeing driver welfare, it must be the primary point of contact for any formal discussions regarding working conditions. Consequently, Bolt’s actions have not only been labeled disrespectful but have also severely damaged the prospects for constructive dialogue, leaving the resolution of critical driver issues in Rivers State on highly uncertain ground.
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