Athens, January 16 – Taxi drivers in Attica are set to embark on a 48-hour strike on Tuesday, January 20, and Wednesday, January 21, signaling their unwavering commitment to their demands. The decision comes amidst growing frustration over long-standing issues within the taxi sector and what the taxi drivers’ union describes as a dismissive attitude from the Ministry of Transport.
SATA Denounces Minister’s ‘Arrogance’
The Board of Directors of the Attica Taxi Drivers’ Union (SATA) has vehemently condemned the Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr. Kyranakis, for his “arrogant and provocative stance.” According to SATA, the minister’s statements “systematically underestimate the chronic problems of the sector, ignore the pleas of thousands of taxi drivers, and falsely present reality, as if our collective voice does not exist.”
SATA further elaborated on its social media channels, highlighting recent meetings with opposition parliamentary groups (PASOK, SYRIZA, Greek Solution, and KKE). During these meetings, all pressing issues facing the taxi industry were thoroughly discussed. The parliamentary representatives reportedly expressed their support and pledged to push for immediate solutions.
Key Demands of the Taxi Drivers
The taxi drivers’ demands are multifaceted, addressing critical areas that impact their livelihoods and the quality of their service:
- Electromobility – No to Violent Transition: Drivers are demanding an extension of the mandatory transition to electromobility until 2035, coupled with a realistic and sustainable transition plan.
- Clear Framework for Taxi Work – E.I.X. with Driver: They are calling for a minimum rental fee of 150 euros plus VAT for E.I.X. (private hire vehicles) with a driver, across the entire territory. This is aimed at curbing unfair competition and preventing the undermining of taxi services.
- Unfair Competition – Multinational Anarchy: SATA accuses the government of ignoring the unfair competition created by multinational ride-hailing applications, which they claim undermine the sector, particularly radio taxis.
- Special Traffic Lanes (Bus Lanes) – Obvious Right: Taxi drivers are demanding the right to use special traffic lanes (bus lanes) when carrying passengers, citing this as a common practice in other European countries that respect their citizens.
- Taxation – End to the Presumptive and Predatory Raid: They are seeking fair tax treatment and an end to what they describe as the tax burden that is financially crippling the sector.
- Fundraising Bill: SATA views a draft bill, currently in preparation, as indicative of the government’s intentions to completely devalue and financially ruin taxi professionals.
Industry Event and Political Responsibility
In addition to the strike, an informational event for taxi drivers will be held at the Peristeri Exhibition Center on Tuesday, January 20, at 10:00 a.m. This event aims to further mobilize the sector and inform drivers about the ongoing struggle.
SATA’s statement concludes by placing primary responsibility on Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, asserting that he not only allows the Deputy Minister to act unchecked but also politically covers for him, permitting this unacceptable behavior. “Instead of dialogue and solutions, the government chooses inaction and provocation, risking a further escalation of the crisis – a responsibility that will weigh exclusively on them,” the SATA Board stated.
This strike marks a significant escalation in the ongoing dispute between Athens taxi drivers and the government, signaling a period of potential disruption for commuters in the capital.
