Petrol and diesel: IP is also set to impose price caps

Taxi unions are preparing to go on strike. Rising fuel prices have compounded a series of other pressing issues affecting the sector and have made the situation “unsustainable”, explain Unica Taxi Filt Cgil and Uiltrasporti, speaking to ANSA. The unions have already asked the government for a meeting, but if they do not receive a response, a ‘service stoppage’ will be inevitable for them.

“We have been asking the MIT for a meeting for some time now and have still not received a reply. The Prime Ministerial Decree on the use and role of technology platforms remains pending. We do not want this to become a tool for technological exploitation in these services. And the government remains silent,” explains Nicola Di Giacobbe of Unica Taxi Filt Cgil. “It is clear,” he adds, “that the situation facing public transport services – taxis in particular, which are subject to a regulated fare – is becoming unsustainable. And not just because of fuel costs, but also because of the running costs of the vehicles.” “Fuel prices have risen, but pretty much everything is going up, and it’s becoming unsustainable given the fare the local council imposes on us. The government must step in,” he continues, “with an incentive such as a tax deduction, or by allowing local councils to set differentiated fares. “We’re waiting for discussions, but if they don’t take place, we’re ready to take action.” “The idea of a strike is on the table, but it’s not just linked to high fuel prices – although that is a problem that will likely lead to a strike,” there is also the whole issue of the implementing decrees needed to put into effect the law that reformed the framework legislation, explains Massimo Longo, head of the taxi sector within the national transport department of Uiltrasporti. “We are considering sending a request to the relevant ministry to address an issue dating back seven years: the implementing decree on the Rent (Electronic Register of Private Hire Vehicles and Taxis) and the one on the electronic logbook are at a standstill. The problem is therefore much broader” than just high fuel prices. Added to this is the issue of unauthorised private hire vehicles which, “without clear regulation, operate in a grey area”. “This situation,” adds Longo, “needs to be resolved, and the high cost of fuel is compounding all the other problems. We are considering meeting with the government: if they do not provide answers or do not contact us, we plan to organise a service stoppage.”