Taxi union to protest on September 5 against anti-competition fine

Élite Taxi, the biggest taxi union in Barcelona, has announced a slow march protest through the city on September 5 to protest against a fine they were given by the Catalan Competition Authority (ACCO).

The group was sanctioned €123,000 earlier in August for pressuring drivers not to use ride-hailing platforms such as Uber and Cabify.

Initially, Élite Taxi considered blocking the main entry and exit roads of Barcelona during the first weekend of September, as many people would be returning to the city after the summer. However, the protest action will instead take place on Tuesday, September 5, with a slow drive towards the Catalan parliament. 

The protest will depart from the Venetian towers of Plaça España at 9 am and move along Gran Via to Passeig Sant Joan and then on to the parliament. 

"It seems very harsh to us that the Catalan government is trying to avoid the debate on censorship, fundamental rights, and freedom of expression," spokesperson for the group, Tito Álvarez, said. "It seems very strong to us. We will denounce it publicly and see if once and for all they stop turning their backs on us and say what they have to say."

Álvarez, leading the protests, said that the taxis will "surround" the parliament. "Let's see who comes out to meet us, we want someone to give us an explanation," he announced.

Taxi drivers have already filed an appeal to sue the Catalan Competition Authority before in the High Court of Catalonia (TSJC). The taxi union considers the €123,000 fine a violation of the right to freedom of expression and the collective defense of interests, among others.

Sanction 

Authorities argue Élite Taxi "launched a pressure campaign" against Uber in late 2020 when the ride-hailing platform was set to begin providing its services in Barcelona, discouraging drivers in the metropolitan area from using the app and "spreading a negative and discrediting image of Uber in the media."

According to ACCO, the group's actions constitute a "very serious infringement" of Spanish competition law 15/2007.