App-Based Transport workers adopt national regulating framework to improve drivers’ welfare

By Matthew Denis

The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has adopted a National regulating framework to improve the welfare of members.

Members of AUATON comprise owners and drivers of drivers using Bolt, Uber, Rida and indriver network cutting across major cities in the country.

Speaking at the training Workshop held in Abuja, the President of AUATON, Comrade Damola Adeniran said the essence of the event is targeted at improving the conditions of workers in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.

Comrade Adeniran disclosed that the workshop focuses on creating a legal framework to protect, secure and foster the welfare of platform workers.

“It also aimed at regulating the operations of the platform workers and to generate tax revenue for the government.

“The workshop adopted national operating regulations and guidelines for app-based transport workers and platform operators.”

According to him the Digital Labour Worker Initiative project was attended by stakeholders and participants from various sectors which includes platform operators, Federal Ministry of Transport, Labour and Employment, legislative study actors, platform work researchers, Academia and law enforcement agencies.

Others were insurance companies, labour unions, Chartered Institutes of transportation, social welfare actors, worker rights activists, platform workers, and business investors.

Dr Tonye Jaja of the National Assembly Institute of Legislative Study moderated the workshop and explained the boundaries of policy, regulation, law, and Act regarding application and implementation while relating with the government.

He emphasised the most important aspect of having a legal regulation that will foster the welfare and well-being of the union members nationwide.

Mary-Ann Momoh, representative of Indrive’s public policy, affirmed the importance of collective agreements between the union and the platform to promote and protect the welfare of app-based transport workers as the only way platforms can successfully operate considering the economic situation in Nigeria.

She reassured the participants of InDrive’s full compliance with the regulations.

The Rida Hub Expert and Operations Manager, Destiny Sunday Ameh who shared his experience as an app-based transporter before joining Rida tasked them to avoid defaulting their operations.

He confirmed the company’s readiness to comply with the regulation and new development  for smooth partnership.

Bolt public policy, West and Sub-Saharan Africa, Weyinmi Aghadiuno, recognised the need to involve states to avoid duplication of regulation and confirmed her organisation’s support as the reason for her presence at the workshop.

However, Uber was the only multinational app present in more than one state in Nigeria which was not represented at the workshop.

The Registrar of the Trade Union Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mr. Amos Falonipe called for collective bargaining and affirmed the position of the Nigeria Labour Act regarding membership of unions and deduction of check-off dues from the source.

He lauded the understanding of the union and platform advocating for a regulation that addresses the concern of both.

Mr. Falonipe pointed out that individuals could opt out as members of the union in writing as everyone under the scope of the union’s industry  is recognised as a member for payment of check-off dues.

Professor Samuel Akinwumi of Lagos State University who was one of the panelists recognised the need to adopt a holistic approach noting that some of the current regulations do not in any way address app-based transporters’ welfare and challenges.

Dr Nenye Okafor Lagos State University who was a Guest lecturer at the workshop raised issues concerning: Finance (Price-union wants to be part of price decision Commission-The need for a universal commission benchmark that does not create unhealthy competition, and Tax- The need to credit tax on behalf of driver to obtain tax clearance);

“Safety and Security (Passenger safety-Profile passenger using NIN, Driver safety-UID number compulsory for drivers, Dashcam, panic button and voice recording, no penalty for trip decline, mass campaign against offline trip, no restrictions, charges or penalty for calling passengers before trip,  and vehicle- passenger confirm marching plate number).”

Others were Conditions of Service (Driver’s status-platform should recognise transporters as employees and treated with courtesy, Dismissal- adoption of human factors, investigate and give 48hrs response, share crime information with the union before dismissal, Suspension, and dispute resolution); and Welfare (Insurance, Health-affordable health insurance like the Lagos scheme should be adopted by other state, HMO, should be unconditionally given to all drivers, Grant-grant support should be given to drivers during tough time Pension-Contributry pension should be made compulsory across all platform for all drivers, Loan-soft loan and grant support-should made available for driver during difficult time among others.