Taxi drivers from the three states that make up the Yucatán Peninsula have decided to unite and form a common front to demand that the federal and state governments regulate digital transportation platforms, which they consider “unfair competition.”
During a press conference, union leaders stated that they are not against modernization, but they demand equality in tax payments and working conditions.
The press conference was led by Calix Teresita Vivas Cornelio, leader of the United Front of Taxi Drivers (FUTV), who was accompanied by Víctor Manuel Ávila, representative of 45 taxi driver groups in Mérida; Carlos González; José Manuel Pérez Cortázar; and Candelario Núñez, Secretary of Labor, Dissemination, and Honor and Justice for the FUTV.
During their remarks, the representatives requested the intervention of Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo to ensure that digital platforms comply with the same tax obligations as traditional taxi drivers.
“We are not against these platforms, but we want the service to be regulated so we can compete on a level playing field. It’s unfair that we pay multiple taxes while they don’t,” stated Vivas Cornelio.
The union leaders pointed out that the economic impact on families who depend on public transportation is alarming. “In Campeche, for example, more than 16,000 families depend on public transportation, including informal taxi drivers, van drivers, taxi drivers, motorcycle taxi drivers, and bicycle taxi drivers. This lack of regulation seriously affects their livelihoods,” explained one of the representatives.
They also called on the federal and state governments to enforce existing laws and guarantee fair conditions for all actors in the transportation sector. “We demand that the law they themselves established be enforced. We want digital platforms to pay taxes just as we do,” emphasized Víctor Manuel Ávila.
The union also expressed concern about the impact a potential change in tax policy could have on their economic situation, warning that the lack of regulation will lead to the loss of thousands of jobs in the sector.
Finally, the taxi drivers reiterated their willingness to engage in dialogue and their intention to bring these concerns to the Mexican presidency, seeking solutions that strike a balance between modernization and labor justice.
Source: lajornadamaya
