Colombia: Taxi drivers plan to strike in urban centers Feb. 22

Event

Activists affiliated with the Association of Taxi Drivers and Owners (Asociacion de Propietarios y Conductores de Taxi, ASOPROTAX) plan to strike in multiple cities nationwide on Feb. 22. Taxi drivers are demanding several concessions from local and regional authorities, including more regulations for app-based private transportation services. Taxi drivers plan to hold associated protests and possibly block main roads in multiple cities on the strikes day, including in Bogota, Medellin, Cali, Bucaramanga, Pereira, Manizales, Ibague, Santa Marta, Cucuta, Pasto, Villavicencio, Pasto, Yumbo, Valle de Aburra, and Tunja. Negotiations are scheduled with government officials on Feb. 21. If an agreement is reached, the strike could be canceled.

Unless averted, the strike and protests will likely cause significant transport disruptions in urban centers nationwide. Disruptions along key roads, including those leading to airports, are likely. Authorities will almost certainly deploy to monitor the gatherings; clashes may occur.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a precaution. Do not attempt to cross a roadblock if you encounter one. Confirm appointments before leaving your place of lodging. Consider alternative routes and allow additional time to reach your destination Feb. 22.