Spanish Taxis Block Roads In 'Anti-Uber' Protest
Source: BBC News
-Taxi drivers across Spain have joined a strike against ride-hailing companies like Uber, demanding the government restrict their numbers.-
The striking taxi drivers, some of whom have been camping out for days, say the services threaten their livelihood and are putting thousands of jobs at risk. As a result, they have blocked main roads in the capital, Madrid, and in Barcelona with their parked cars.
A meeting on Monday to attempt to end the strike failed to reach a deal. Taxi unions want the government to enforce a law which requires just one ride-hailing licence for every 30 taxi licences.
According to Spanish newspaper El Pais, the government offered to give licensing powers to each of the regions during a four-hour meeting. This was rejected by taxi representatives, who say it would not fix the issue, but just pass it along. The meeting is due to resume later on Monday in the hope of finding a resolution.
Union representatives said in a statement that "Uber and Cabify are putting the viability of the taxi sector and 130,000 jobs at risk", adding it "considers this unfair competition intolerable"...more...
Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-45009087
The strike began in Barcelona last Wednesday, after the Spanish government appealed against a ruling by the Barcelona authorities that limited the number of licences for taxi services booked by smartphone apps.
Madrid, Valencia, Bilbao and Seville are all following Barcelona with stoppages, causing widespread disruption. The strike is now trending on Twitter, with the hashtag "HuelgaTaxis" with users sharing pictures and comments. Some posters suggested the taxi drivers could simply look at the likes of Uber as "an opportunity" and not a threat.
The strike began in Barcelona five days ago and spread to Madrid and other Spanish cities.
Some drivers are camping next to their vehicles.
These drivers in Bilbao were blocking access to the airport.
*MORE ON THIS STORY, At BBC Link Above: Uber is officially a cab firm, says European court, 20 December 2017; Uber investigated over gender discrimination, 16 July 2018; Uber tells court 'we needed to change' in London licence appeal, 25 June 2018; Uber invests in Lime city scooter hire company, 9 July 2018.
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