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