Maintenance costs, fuel costs and drastically reduced profits are some of the reasons behind the drivers’ agitations. This isn’t the first time the co
Maintenance costs, fuel costs and drastically reduced profits are some of the reasons behind the drivers’ agitations. This isn’t the first time the company y will be plagued with problems. The company has always had problems in the many markets it operates in and within itself too, sometimes to the point where violent protests and extensive lobbying have been the only way out for the six year old outfit.
The company’s latest worry is coming from Lagos where Uber drivers have gone on strike and are currently protesting a 40 per cent price cut which Uber put in place following a similar price reduction by Taxify, one of its main competitors in Lagos. Over 300 drivers in Lagos took to the streets of Lagos today Monday, May 8, 2017, in various groups, to protest the fare cut which leaves driver with 40 per cent less than they earned before the price cuts.
The drivers had originally headed to Uber’s on boarding office in Lekki Phase One, Lagos to air their grievances. However, when the Police refused to allow them entry into the building, they headed to Uber Nigeria’s main office in Ikoyi to engage with the Uber management. A lot of them parked their vehicles inside Lekki and walked in protest to the Uber offices in Parkview with placards, one of which read “Uber Na Scam.”
The drivers are threatening to quit Uber’s platform altogether unless one of two things are done: a revert of the price cut back to the old prices or a reduction of Uber’s commission from the current 25 per cent. Some of the drivers said Uber’s decision to slash prices without consulting them showed how little the company thought of them. Some of the drivers are of the opinion that the price cuts may not have been sanctioned by Uber’s global HQ, alluding that it was a decision taken by Uber’s Nigeria arm.
So far, the drivers have met with Taxify Nigeria management, a source says, and negotiations are currently ongoing to come to terms on both sides.
