Elite Taxi strike action is set to disrupt transport across Catalonia this Tuesday, despite significant opposition from within the industry.
The union has called what it describes as a “historic” general stoppage to protest against the practices of major ride-hailing platforms and the business sectors it claims support them.
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The strike is scheduled to run from 10:00 to 16:00, with significant impacts expected at airports, train stations, and taxi ranks throughout the region.
Consequently, drivers are called to gather from 9:00 on Gran Via, between Plaça Tetuan and Carrer Entença, and on Passeig de Gràcia. The union’s spokesperson, Tito Álvarez, stated that only medical emergencies would be attended to, and those services would be provided free of charge. The action places renewed focus on the regulation of VTCs (Tourism Vehicles with Chauffeur), with Elite Taxi demanding stricter sanctions for repeat offenders and stronger enforcement from local councils.
Elite Taxi Strike Exposes Deep Sector Rifts
However, the call for a strike has exposed deep divisions. Three major sector associations have publicly distanced themselves and will not participate. The Agrupació Taxi Companys (ATC) criticised the sudden nature of the call, made without prior dialogue, and noted that previous mobilisations had “little real impact” and ended up harming local residents. The Sindicat del Taxi de Catalunya (STAC) also refuses to join, arguing the protest aims to protect a draft of the future taxi law that it believes needs substantial amendment.
Furthermore, the Associació de Taxistes Pakistanesos de Catalunya (PakTaxi) stated the strike “will not bring benefits” and could create unnecessary conflict with users. It also criticised the lack of democratic organisation behind the call. This internal conflict arrives amid ongoing debate over the future taxi law, a regulatory framework that remains open and contentious. The sector faces key issues including temporary licenses, the potential entry of 4,000 new VTCs in the metropolitan area, and language requirements.
Elite Taxi, meanwhile, accuses some business entities of endorsing models that it says undermine the traditional taxi sector and favour multinational interests. The union promises to act “forcefully within the framework of the law” to highlight what it sees as a threat to its livelihood. This major Elite Taxi strike therefore unfolds not just as a protest against external competition, but as a stark reflection of the internal fractures shaping Barcelona’s transport future. For more on local transport developments, you can read about the ongoing works affecting the Verdaguer metro station.
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