The Star reports that the SA Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) has lambasted e-hailing companies for abusing their drivers. E-hailing drivers recently protested in various regions over complaints about their commission structure, crime and other labour-related issues.

The drivers held a media briefing on Wednesday with the leadership of Saftu, where their issues were ventilated. Saftu’s Zwelinzima Vavi said working conditions for e-hailing drivers were bad and they did not have proper channels where they could relay their complaints. He indicated: “The e-hailing drivers must organise under a trade union to fight for their rights and advance their economic interests. We acknowledge platforms like the e-hailing Partners Council (EPCO), but this platform remains and acts as a platform to hear the grievances of workers. It can never displace or replace the need for a trade union.” Vavi criticised e-hailing companies for refusing to recognise drivers as their employees and pointed out that globally there was a trend to bring in legislation that recognised the e-hailing companies as the employers of the drivers. Vavi also pointed out that e-hailing drivers faced the challenge of being accepted into the SA public transport system amid tension between taxis and metered taxis. “Consequently, e-hailing drivers have been killed, beaten, injured and kidnapped in the conflict. Some areas have been declared no-go areas, where e-hailing drivers are barred from using violence. If they are spotted in such areas, they are often robbed of their cash. This conflict has also affected passengers,” Vavi said. He added that the commission rates that the e-hailing companies offered were unfair.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Itumeleng Mafisa at The Star

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