[ad_1]
Bolt has told MyBroadband that a small number of his drivers were not operating as part of a protest Monday.
The company did not elaborate on the reason for the strike, but previous EWN report stated that Bolt and Uber electronic call drivers in Gauteng, Free State and the Western Cape were trying to draw attention to the need to regulate the electronic call industry.
According to the report, protesters were using Transportation Month to demonstrate their complaints about alleged exploitation by companies.
“We as operators feel very exploited by app giants Uber and Bolt and we think it is important that regulation is put in place to protect us as operators,” said a spokesman for the protesters, Vhatuka Mbelengwa.
However, Uber told MyBroadband that it was not aware of any protests from its operators, but noted that the strike had affected a “competitor.”
MyBroadband confirmed that it was still possible to book an Uber through the app as of Monday morning.
Longer waiting times
Bolt South Africa’s national manager, Gareth Taylor, said the strike was having a limited impact on its operations.
“Other than slightly longer wait times, the protest has not affected the ability of passengers to request a ride through the platform, as there are enough drivers who have chosen to stay in line to meet the demand,” Taylor pointed out.
“Bolt respects the right of every driver to protest legally, peacefully and without affecting the rights of other drivers who choose to continue operating and earn income,” said Taylor.
He said Bolt was interacting with his driving partners through a variety of channels, both electronic and face-to-face, and is continually developing tools to address driver concerns.
“In the event that protesters deliver a memo to Bolt’s offices, a Bolt representative will be available to receive it,” Taylor said.
“Bolt continues to welcome feedback from drivers on their issues of concern and is committed to making communications and decisions in the best interest of drivers using the platform, as well as Bolt,” he added.
Now Read: Uber Will Make South Africans Take Selfies To Show They Are Wearing A Mask
[ad_2]
