Spain: Taxi drivers strike ends in Madrid February 5 /update 10

Event

Taxi drivers in Madrid called off their strike on Tuesday, February 5, following a vote by the drivers. As such, normal taxi services are expected to resume as of Wednesday, February 6. However, taxi drivers have said they intend to continue their protests against ride-sharing services.

On a related note, taxi unions and other civil society groups are planning to hold a demonstration in Madrid on Saturday, February 9. The protest, which is being organized by the Elite Taxi Madrid Association (AETM), will start at 18:00 (local time) at the Plaza del Emperador Carlos V. Participants will then march to the Plaza de Colón; the demonstration will end at 21:00. Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are anticipated around all protest sites. 

Context

The unions are protesting to highlight various issues related to workers' rights. Taxi drivers were on strike in Madrid since January 21 to demand increased regulation on ride-sharing services such as Uber and Cabify. Daily protests were held, with drivers blocking main roads in the city.

Taxi drivers in Barcelona launched a similar strike on January 18. On January 23, the Catalan regional government offered new regulations for ride-sharing companies, prompting Uber and Cabify to cease operation in Barcelona on February 1.

Advice

Individuals in Madrid are advised to monitor the situation and avoid public demonstrations as a precaution.