Taxi drivers across the country
went out on strike on Tuesday in protest at a government reform
proposal that will deregulate the sector, allegedly favouring
competition from multinational transportation network companies
such as Uber.
The nationwide action, which began at 8 am and ends at 10 pm
local time, was confirmed on Monday after talks with transport
ministry officials proved unsuccessful.
The turnout was reported to be high in most major cities,
where so-called 'social services' for people in difficulty were
however guaranteed.
On Tuesday morning there were no taxis serving passengers
arriving at Rome's Fiumicino airport.
In the capital 500 taxi drivers protested outside the
transport ministry at Porta Pia.
"The (government) proposals deregulate the sector through the
liberalisation of car rental with driver services which is to
the advantage of Uber," said Alessandro Genovese of trade union
federation UGL.
"The government aims to regulate the market so services to
citizens are more efficient and better tailored to demand," said
deputy transport minister Riccardo Nencini.
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