Bolt drivers in Jos are embarking on a three-day warning strike, effective Friday, November 11, 2022.
Why it matters:
In a phone call with CRESTHUB, Bolt driver, Darbas Dabang, said the reasons for the strike were linked to the high cost of fuel which is currently between ₦250 to ₦305 per liter compared to ₦165 to ₦187 for which it was previously sold. Other reasons include fuel scarcity, excessive bonuses to Bolt customers, and zero profits made by drivers.
Dabang spoke with displeasure, noting that these issues have affected him, causing him to pack his car away from providing riding-hailing services.
“The high cost of fuel and its scarcity is what is instigating the union to go on this warning strike for three days. Everything has become expensive and the harsh working conditions are making it difficult to carry out car-hailing service seamlessly. It is better to embark on this strike, for us to review our price listing”, he said.
Furthermore, CRESTHUB’s findings reveal that lengthy rides from places like Rock Heaven to the Old Airport junction cost between ₦400-₦650 as a result of the 30% bonus issued by Bolt without the prior knowledge of its drivers. Dabang confirmed this stating that the above fee is less than the proposed fare which is meant to be between ₦1200-₦1950.
He added that every Bolt driver pays a minimum of 20% to the car-hailing company, irrespective of the nature of the rides in a month, resulting in little or no profit at all.
“We pay a minimum of 20% to Bolt by the end of the month, and this is irrespective of our rides. This gives us little or no profits by the close of the month, as our profits are split between car maintenance, Bolt and fuel”, he said.
Although there is no official press release yet from Bolt on this issue, Dabang like most drivers in the city is appealing to both Bolt and the government to see to a solution that would favor both them and the public.
“We’re appealing to both Bolt and the government, to seek favorable working conditions because, without them, our performance is as a free job and this isn’t good for business”, he said.
