The Federation of informal Workers’ Organisations of Nigeria (FIWON), Solidarity Centre(SC) has collaborated with app-based drivers to achieve a better working condition for the drivers.
The unions made the call at the two days official launch of informal and platform workers advocacy campaigns on Monday in Lagos.
Solidarity Centre is a non-profit organisation partnering directly with workers and their unions, supporting their struggle for respect, fair wages, better workplaces and a voice in the global economy.
The President, FIWON, Mr Gbenga Komolafe, said the campaign for decent jobs and fair wages in the nation’s informal and platform sector led to a partnership with app-based workers union to achieve recognition and adequate representation.
“We gather to demand full workers, unions’ rights and say no to unilateral deactivation and blocking of account by app-based companies without fair hearing.
“We demand a say in pricing mechanism and provisions of enhanced safety and security measures through adequate profiling of riders, “he said.
Mr Ibrahim Ayoade, President, the National union of Professional App-based Transport Workers (NUPABTW), added that terms of engagement with app-based companies should be well spell out.
“App-based companies should state categories they put app-based drivers. We want to know if we are workers or partner and what are the rights and benefits we deserve, “he said.
Mr Sonny Oghehi, Country Program Director, Solidarity Centre, West Africa, represented by Senior Program Officer, SC Nigeria, Mr Bashman Mohammed, noted that Solidarity Centre had been partnering directly with app-based workers and their unions to legally achieve their rights.
“The data derived from strategic meetings and focus groups discussions informed our decision to step into legal and legitimate way to stop unfair treatment being melted on App-based workers, “he said.
Mr Idris Oluwaseun, President, the Professional E-Hailing Drivers and Private Owners of Nigeria (PEDPAN), said that the union was working to achieve a standard whereby app-based workers would enjoy pension plan and other benefits incorporated into their cooperative wallets.
The Lagos State Chairman, Trade Union Congress, Mr Gbenga Ekundayo, urged the app-based unions to come under single umbrella to have a formidable strength to achieve the set goals.
