Taxi drivers from the Confederation of Collective Taxis of Iquique and Alto Hospicio held a protest caravan this Tuesday in front of the Tarapacá Regional Presidential Delegation. The mobilization was aimed at expressing discontent regarding rising fuel costs and the impact of the so-called 'Uber Law.'
According to reports from biobiochile.cl, the union announced a $500 peso increase per trip, a measure set to take effect within the next 15 days. The announcement is a direct response to the rising operational costs of running their vehicles.
Mario Cejas, a leader of the Confederation of Collective Taxis of Iquique and Alto Hospicio, detailed how the current situation is severely harming the sector. He noted that the frustration stems from the management of the 'Uber Law' and the lack of adequate compensation for fuel price hikes.
“Given the current situation regarding the Uber Law and how the fuel subsidy has been handled—at the moment, with the bonus, we have nothing,” Cejas told the press.
The union leader also warned about the impact that ride-sharing apps are having on their earnings. “With the changes brought about by the Uber Law, there have been adjustments that automatically and terribly impact us as a union,” he added.
Government Response
Following the protest, Tapia, a representative of the Presidential Delegation, met with union leaders to receive a formal list of demands. However, the official described the protest as excessive.
“We met with the leadership of this group after they sought to deliver a formal petition. Regarding the delegation, their requests pertain to the Uber Law,” Tapini stated.
The official insisted that there is no lack of communication between the regional government and transport workers. “What I want to make clear, and what I also told them, is that we have maintained an open dialogue at all times,” he maintained.
Tapia added that the demonstration was disproportionate given the prior contact established with the unions. “I received them. They were one of the first groups I spoke with, and the way they have manifested themselves now is exaggerated because they have always had an open channel to talk with us,” he concluded.
Following the demonstration in front of the Presidential Delegation, the taxi caravan moved toward the Regional Ministry of Transportation to formally submit their list of demands.