TIJUANA, MEXICO - MARCH 31: Taxis are lined up near the El Chapparal port of entry, most waiting for passengers crossing into Mexico, on March 31, 2019 in Tijuana, Mexico. U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters Friday “there's a very good likelihood” that he will close the U.S. Southern border next week. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Taxi drivers plan national strike to protest Uber

ByYucatán Magazine
TIJUANA, MEXICO – JANUARY 20: Taxis and police cars move through the street along Revolution Avenue at night on January 20, 2019 in Tijuana, Mexico. Despite one of the most violent years on record for the border city in 2018 with over 2,300 people killed, nightlife and tourism in the city continue to thrive. Most of the murders are drug related and take place away from Revolution Avenue, one of Tijuana's main streets for nightlife and clubs. Craft brew bars, small coffee houses and vegan cafes are also a part of the gritty city’s attraction. In 2017 Tijuana saw over 11.5 million visitors, many who come to experience the wild nightlife which includes a thriving red light district, cheap beer, and clubs that stay open until 6am. on January 20, 2019 in Tijuana, Mexico. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Taxis drivers from all over Mexico will meet in Mérida on May 25 and 26 to plan a national strike that has been scheduled for June 3, reported union leader Héctor Alberto Fernández Zapata, of the FUTV.

Uber’s ascendance has been a sticking point since the ride-share app and similar platforms took root here years back.

As many as 4,500 drivers are anticipated in Merida.

Despite reforms to the Yucatan transport law, Uber continues to work illegally, said Fernández Zapata. Similar conflicts persist throughout Mexico.

He said that they have not determined how many taxi drivers will participate in the national strike. They want to make clear that Uber’s arrival has brought difficult times to traditional taxistas.

The meeting will break down into working groups to deal with different issues including universal insurance for all and a transition to natural gas.

Taxi drivers pay far more for their concessions, FUTV members complain.

El Pueblo Mérida

Uber started Merida’s ride-share wave in 2016, and was immediately embraced by passengers frustrated by hunting down elusive cabs. Ride-share cars normally come in minutes and the transaction is completed online.

By fall, violence broke out, with Uber drivers confronted and in a few cases, physically attacked. An angry demonstration at the airport also involved intimidation tactics against Uber drivers and passengers.

FUTV’s exclusive hold on the business first showed cracks in 2014, when the union disrupted the Merida airport after the bus line ADO was allowed to operate in the same parking lot.

The last time taxi drivers held a strike in Merida, Uber drivers capitalized on the opportunity to offer free rides.

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