23 Jan 2019 | 07:44 PM UTC
Spain: Taxi driver strike continues in Madrid and Barcelona Jan. 23 /update 2
Taxi drivers continue to strike in Madrid and Barcelona as of January 23, blocking roads and clashing with police; Barcelona taxi drivers to vote on continuing the strike
Event
An indefinite strike by taxi drivers is ongoing in Madrid and Barcelona as of Wednesday, January 23. Riot police were deployed in Madrid after protesters burned tires and containers and blocked roads near IFEMA in the city center. At least 11 people, including five police officers, were wounded in clashes between protesters and security forces. According to media reports, taxis were not providing service for travelers arriving at the airport. Taxi drivers in Barcelona are expected to vote on Wednesday to end the strike after the Catalan regional government offered new regulations for ride-sharing companies. Under the new rules, passengers would have to book the service at least one hour in advance. Similar protests, strikes, and roadblocks are expected in Barcelona and Madrid in the coming days along with associated transportation disruptions and traffic congestion.
Context
Taxi drivers in Barcelona launched an indefinite strike on Friday, January 18, to demand increased regulation on ride-sharing services such as Uber and Cabify. A similar strike started in Madrid on Monday, January 21.
Advice
Individuals in Barcelona and Madrid are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate travel delays and traffic congestion, avoid any public demonstrations as a precaution, and seek alternate transportation arrangements.
