Brave Dickson
Commercial bus and taxi drivers in Rivers State have lamented the low patronage of passengers as a result of the ongoing strike embarked upon by organised labour unions across the federation.
The commercial drivers under the aegis of Drivers Welfare Association of Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter said since the strike began, its members have not been meeting up their financial obligations.
Chairman of the association, Leekia Isaac said, “a lot of our passengers belong to the public sector. The strike has made them remain at home.
“Though what the organised labour union members are fighting for is right, the federal government should listen to them and reach an agreement.
“We are also optimistic that if minimum wage is reviewed upward, it will affect us positively because passengers will not argue with us when we increase our fare.”
Despite the negative economic effects, the drivers said they are experiencing due to the strike, the association has also thrown its weight behind the industrial action by the labour unions.
The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress on Wednesday commenced a one-week warning strike over what they viewed as the refusal of the federal government to review their minimum wage upward.
