How’s my driving? E-hailing drivers are on STRIKE till further notice

In a report by TopAuto, Gauteng e-hailing drivers are on strike till further at the behest of the e-Hailing Partner’s Council (EPCO).

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The organisation represents the large majority of drivers on Bolt, Uber, and InDrive platforms. It announced on Monday 16 October 2023 that Gauteng e-hailing drivers are on strike till further notice until their demands are heard by the e-hailing companies.

DRIVERS’ DEMANDS

We’ve followed this story closely over the last few months. From criticism from customers over the deteriorating levels of service. To e-hailing drivers standing up for their rights, saying they cannot give better service under current working conditions. Something, clearly, needs to give!

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So far, Uber, Bolt and InDrive have refused to meet with EPCO, let alone listen to their demands. These include:

• Removal of Trip Radar.
• Reducing commission to 18%.
• Instituting a standard trip rate of R8.50/km.
• Stopping persecution of drivers and affording them a right to reply.

THEIR POCKETS ARE EMPTY

“The pockets of our drivers are empty. Their ability to maintain the vehicles is eroded more and more every day. So that’s why we are embarking on this protest,” said EPCO’s Kenny Moretsele. E-hailing companies charge an upfront commission of roughly 25%, which erodes the drivers’ bottom line.

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Drivers complain they don’t have an avenue for communicating grievances with the e-hailing companies. It’s one-way communication with drivers often deactivated, without explanation and no right of reply.

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E-hailing driver are on strike at Bond Street, Randburg, and Charles Crescent, Kramerville. These protests follow a two-day strike in September.

Now that e-hailing drivers are on strike in Gauteng, have you been impacted? Be sure to share your thoughts with our audience in the comments section below. And don’t forget to follow us @TheSANews on Twitter and The South African on Facebook for the latest updates.

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