Some Uber, Bolt drivers to down tools on Monday
Some e-hailing drivers in Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State are set to down tools on Monday to protest against alleged ill-treatment by companies like Uber and Bolt.
The drivers say e-hailing companies have failed to heed the drivers’ concerns, forcing them to suspend services on Monday.
E-hailing spokesperson Vhatuka Mbelengwa wants the companies to include the drivers in decision-making processes.
"We need a decision-making platform that is reflective of a partnership, we need to be considered when decisions are taken. For now, decisions are taken on our behalf and we are expected to implement those decisions without question.
“We can no longer continue to do so, we have decided as an industry that ongoing disruption is a way forward, it cannot be business as usual at Uber and Bolt. Something has to change.”
He says the two companies use promotions to attract customers, but this is at the cost of drivers.
"The promotions do not help our drivers to run the businesses, they cost us money and we end up not having money for petrol. It is their marketing expense, this is not okay and drivers cannot continue to subsidise these promotions.”
Mbelengwa says allegations of rape and robbery made against some drivers also need attention.
"We want Uber and Bolt to adopt better behaviour. Our position is that riders and drivers deserve safety and the app could implement safety measures. We cannot continue to let this app that allows people to be raped, robbed to be operating freely. They have allowed criminals to operate using this app.
“We also do not like it when ladies enter our vehicle with fear.”
