Abuja workers cry out over transporters’ strike

BRT buses in Lagos

Some commuters in the Federal Capital Territory are groaning under the indefinite strike embarked upon mass transport workers.

Junior workers of the Abuja Urban Mass Transport Company (AUMTCO) on Wednesday commenced industrial action to press for better condition of service.

They are also demanding for the payment of their two months outstanding salaries.

Mr Patrick Ogun, a civil servant who resides in Kubwa, complained that the strike had created some difficulty in commuting to and from work.

“The strike by AUMTCO workers is really taking its toll on the common man and I appeal to the authorities concerned to take steps to end it as soon as practicable.

“The mass transport buses are more affordable and more convenient to commute in and a lot of low income earners depend on them,’’ he said.

Mr Dauda Musa, a job seeker, who resides in Suleja, also called on the transport workers to call off the strike.

“For somebody like me who presently earns no income, the mass transport buses are the best and most affordable mode of transportation.

“In the last 48 hours that the strike has been on, commuting has been difficult, and I can only appeal to AUMTCO workers to resolve contending issues and call off the strike,’’ he said.
Mrs Rabi Umar, an Abuja based trader, also complained about the strike.

“I commute between Suleja and Wuse market on a daily basis and these long buses are always very convenient for me.

“They are more cost effective, and I appeal to the authorities in charge of mass transportation to take steps to end this strike quickly in the interest of the masses,’’ she said.

However, Mr Tunde Akintola, AUMTCO Head of Marketing and Communication, gave assurance that the strike would soon be called off.

He said that the strike was informed by the workers’ demand for two months outstanding salaries and some improved working conditions, which the management was already taking steps to address.

“Actually, we have not been able to pay March and April salaries to workers due to inadequate revenue, and that is part of what informed this strike.

“We also face challenges of competition from unpainted taxis as well as inadequate loading points, which disturbs our operation, but the FCTA has assured us that these issues will be resolved soon.

“I will only appeal to our numerous customers and commuters generally to bear with us and exercise patience; we regret the inconveniences,’’ he said.