In Kėdainiai, drivers providing “Bolt” ride-hailing services organized a strike aimed at drawing attention to what drivers consider to be too low service rates and increasing work expenses.
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According to the drivers, about 90% of “Bolt” drivers registered in Kėdainiai joined the strike. Drivers claim that under current conditions it is becoming increasingly difficult to work because the price of the service to the client does not increase proportionally to the expenses incurred by the driver.
Main demands of the drivers:
1. Increase the minimum trip price from 3 to 4 euros.
Drivers point out that in recent years, work-related expenses have significantly increased: fuel prices, car repairs and maintenance, ride-hailing insurance, reverse VAT, technical inspection performed every 6 months, as well as car washing and ongoing maintenance costs.
A ride-hailing car must be not only technically sound but also clean and properly maintained, so drivers incur additional expenses that directly reduce their earnings.
2. Review the rates for out-of-town trips.
Drivers say that the prices for out-of-town trips are currently too low. It becomes especially problematic when a driver takes a passenger outside the city and has to return without a passenger – no additional compensation is provided for this time, fuel, and car operation.
3. Introduce more “Bolt” categories in Kėdainiai.
Drivers request the opportunity to work not only in the regular category but also to introduce:
- “Comfort” category;
- “XL” category;
- parcel delivery category.
According to the drivers, this would provide more choices for customers and additional earning opportunities for drivers.
4. Reduce the “Bolt” commission fee in Kėdainiai from 15 to 10%.
Drivers believe that a lower commission fee would be justified by the smaller size of the Kėdainiai city market and relatively fewer trips compared to the major Lithuanian cities.
“We want not privileges, but the opportunity to work properly”
Drivers emphasize that their goal is not to create conflict with “Bolt” or passengers. They want to highlight that ride-hailing is a job where the driver bears all the car maintenance costs.
The driver pays for the car, fuel, repairs, tires, insurance, technical maintenance, washing, and other vehicle-related costs. Additionally, the time the driver spends waiting for orders or returning from out-of-town trips must be considered.
“We want consideration not only for the price paid by the passenger but also for how much of it actually remains with the driver after covering all work-related expenses,” say Kėdainiai “Bolt” drivers.
Drivers hope the strike will be heard and that constructive dialogue with “Bolt” will begin regarding the working conditions and rates for drivers in Kėdainiai.
The position of Kėdainiai drivers is simple. “We want to work, but the pay must be such that it covers real expenses and provides fair compensation for our work,” reads a letter sent to “Kėdainių mugė”.
As reported by other news portals, “Bolt” drivers also held a warning strike in Vilnius.
“Drivers plan to strike from September 1–3, turning off apps and not fulfilling orders throughout Lithuania,” the news portal “Delfi” reports.
