“We are driving at a loss” The snail’s operation of the VTC drivers continued on Tuesday and Wednesday in Toulouse

by time news

Motorists had to ‍be⁢ patient this Monday ‌morning on the Toulouse‌ ring road (Haute-Garonne), where VTC drivers are organizing a snail operation to protest against the too low price of rides⁢ on booking platforms.

Starting around 7.30 am from ⁣Sesquières, north ⁤of‌ the Pink ‍City, the procession, made up of around 90 vehicles according to the Haute-Garonne prefecture, significantly slowed down traffic by connecting Ponts-Jumeaux, Boulevard de ​l’Embouchure and then the airport of Toulouse⁢ -Blagnac where they ‌were stationed⁤ around 10 in the morning. The protesters left at the end of the morning towards Compans-Caffarilli to make their‌ anger heard ⁢in front of‍ the headquarters ⁣of ​the Uber platform. At 2pm,‌ motorists were still occupying Lascrosses‌ and Maréchal-Leclerc avenues.

On the ⁤VTC vehicles mobilized on Monday morning in Toulouse, some expressed their demands such as “Respect our work, increase our prices”. ‌For Brahim Ben Ali, general secretary‍ of the FO-INV union which initiated the ‍operation, “the drivers are asking for an increase‍ in the platform tariff. An agreement ⁤provides that ​drivers’ wages cannot be less than one euro per kilometre. This is⁢ the guaranteed minimum hourly earnings from the activity but this agreement ‍is not respected. Today‍ we drive at a loss, at 50 cents a kilometer, for the glory of the platforms.”

The union also calls for the elimination of false profiles on the platforms and the ⁤end of⁢ registrations to limit the number of ​VTC drivers, an already precarious profession. Determined⁤ to make themselves heard, VTC drivers voted at midday on Monday ‍to continue their movement, establishing a new snail operation in Toulouse on Tuesday morning and Wednesday morning.

Sure!⁣ Here’s an engaging interview between a Time.news editor and an expert on the recent‌ protests by VTC drivers in Toulouse:


Time.news Editor: Good morning and welcome to ​Time.news! ‍Today, we’re ⁢digging into ‌the recent protests by VTC drivers in Toulouse, where they organized a snail operation on ⁤the city’s ‌ring road. To help us understand the implications ⁢and reasons behind these protests, we ⁢have with us Dr. Clara Montand, an expert in transportation economics. Welcome, ⁢Dr. Montand!

Dr. Clara Montand: Thank you⁣ for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.

Editor: So, Dr. Montand, for those who may ⁤not be familiar,‍ could you explain what a “snail operation” entails and why it’s being used by the ‌VTC drivers in Toulouse?

Dr. Montand: ⁣Certainly! ‍A snail operation involves⁤ vehicles moving slowly‍ in a convoy, effectively clogging up traffic to draw attention to a cause. In this case, VTC drivers, who operate as ⁢rideshare or private ​hire drivers, are‌ protesting‍ the low prices they receive ⁤from⁣ booking platforms. This type of ⁤protest is designed to quickly capture the ‍public’s attention and put pressure on policymakers and companies to address their grievances.

Editor: That’s fascinating! Can you tell us​ more about the motivations behind their protest? Why are these drivers feeling underpaid?

Dr. Montand: Drivers are facing significant challenges in the current economic climate. Many feel that the prices set‌ by booking platforms do⁤ not ⁢reflect the cost of living increases and operational costs, such as fuel⁤ and vehicle ⁤maintenance. When they began these services, many expected reasonable compensation for their labor, but as competition has intensified, the prices‌ have​ stagnated or even decreased. This leads to unsustainable earnings for drivers, making it difficult for them ‌to support themselves and their families.

Editor: ‍It sounds like a difficult situation for these drivers. How do you think the local government and ​booking ‌platforms should respond to this protest?

Dr. Montand: I believe both the government and the companies need to engage in a constructive ⁤dialogue ⁤with the drivers. The ⁢government can implement regulations that ensure fair pricing and protect drivers’⁣ rights. Meanwhile, the booking platforms should reconsider their pricing⁢ strategies⁣ to create a more equitable model for drivers. Moving towards a fairer system ⁤could ensure quality service for‌ passengers ‍and‍ better living ​conditions for the drivers.

Editor: It seems there’s a ​lot at stake here. How do you think the public’s perception of these​ protests might influence the outcome?

Dr. Montand: Public perception can play a crucial role. If people ‌empathize with the drivers’ struggles—seeing them as essential workers who provide valuable services—there may be greater pressure on companies and ‍local authorities⁣ to take action. Increased awareness can transform⁢ this ⁢protest into a broader movement that ‍highlights issues of economic ​fairness in​ gig economies.

Editor: That’s a very ‍insightful perspective! As we wrap up, ​what message do you think these drivers ⁣hope to convey through their actions today?

Dr. Montand: Ultimately, they want acknowledgment and respect for the work⁤ they do. They are advocating for fair compensation and a sustainable ⁢future⁢ in their industry. By raising their voices, they hope to foster change that⁤ would benefit not just themselves, but also other gig economy workers facing similar challenges.

Editor: Thank you,⁣ Dr. Montand, for your valuable insights on this important issue. ‍It’s clear that⁢ what seems like a simple traffic disruption is tied to deeper economic and ⁤social themes.

Dr. Montand: Thank ‍you! I’m ‍glad to contribute to the conversation.

Editor: And thank you to our audience​ for tuning in. Stay informed and‍ engaged as we continue to cover this evolving story. Until next time!

This interview format encourages a dialogue that is both informative and engaging, ​providing readers with context and⁢ insight into the issue at‌ hand.

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