A sector in Lluita
Drivers and entrepreneurs operating driver transport vehicles (VTC) have decided to make their voices heard again, organizing a slow march in Barcelona. On Tuesday, thousands of professionals in the sector mobilized to express their rejection of the recent passenger transport law, which they consider to be a direct threat for their activity.
The fear of loss of employment
Protesters have stated that the Department of Territory aims to drastically reduce the presence of VTC, with the aim of leaving only the operating taxis. This measure could lead to the loss of more than 3,840 jobs, a fact that deeply restlessly restless professionals.
A starting start
The mobilization, which began with a symbolic stop on March 3, coincides with the Mobile World Congress, has grown in intensity. This Tuesday, the march began at 10:30 am from the station of France, with a route that will culminate in the Plaça de Sant Jaume, where a manifesto will be read that has the support of entities such as Aurora Catalana VTC Association and the Free Transport Union.
The numbers speak
According to the employer Unuto VTC, about a thousand vehicles participated in the march, which followed a route that mimics the traditional mobilizations of the taxi sector. The vehicles were concentrated on the Paseo de Lluís Companys, with banners and protesters on foot, passing in front of the Provincial Court of Barcelona, where various legal resources are being resolved.
Complaint of a monopoly
Representatives in the sector have stated that this new legislation is the fourth attempt by the Government to limit the activity of the VTCs, with the intention of creating a monopoly in the taxi service. In addition, they say that the regulation seeks to eliminate competition and prohibit the urban services of the VTCs, with negotiations that have been carried out without their participation.
A proposal for coexistence
Marc Jussen, a spokesman for Unauto-VTC of Catalonia, emphasized that the liberalization of the sector or the allocation of new licenses is not sought. According to him, there is enough space in the city for 11,000 taxis and 3,000 VTC, and what they really want is to reach an agreement with the Generalitat and the taxi sector for harmonious coexistence.
