06 Feb 2019 | 04:40 AM UTC
Spain: Taxi union plans rally in Madrid February 9 /update 9
The Elite Taxi Madrid Association (AETM) is planning to hold a protest in Madrid on February 9; heightened security measures and traffic disruptions anticipated
Event
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 have been on strike in Madrid since January 23 to demand increased regulation on ride-sharing services such as Uber and Cabify. Daily protests have also been 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, anticipate travel delays and traffic congestion, avoid public demonstrations as a precaution, and seek alternate transportation arrangements if necessary.
