Toulouse VTC Drivers Protest for Fair Wages and Market Regulation
Frustrated with dwindling earnings and increasing competition, around a hundred VTC (ride-hailing) drivers brought traffic in Toulouse to a standstill on Wednesday, November 27th. The protestors snailed their cars around the city’s outer ring road for two hours, causing significant delays for commuters around 7:30 a.m. This demonstration follows a similar mobilization that took place earlier in November.
Smokestacks and Standoffs
As the morning fog lifted over the rambling streets of Jean-Jaurès, the air filled with the acrid scent of light red smoke. VTC drivers set off smoke bombs and fired off small fireworks mortars, signaling the start of their protest.
Dozens of independent drivers awaited news from their representatives who met with officials at the Haute-Garonne prefecture.
Fighting for a Living Wage
These drivers are decrying the working conditions imposed by platforms like Uber and Bolt, including inadequate compensation. Some drivers are earning less than €1 per kilometer, while rising costs for fuel and vehicle maintenance are squeezing their already thin profit margins.
“It’s definitely getting harder to make a living from this work,” confesses Sofiane, an eight-year veteran of the VTC industry. “I have to work seven days a week just to make ends meet. It’s not a life, I don’t even have time for a family. Fares are constantly decreasing because there are so many drivers around. These platforms are struggling, and we are the ones who are paying the price,” he laments. “The price of groceries is only going down…
The number of drivers in Toulouse fluctuates between 900 and 1,000, according to industry estimates. While Uber maintains that this number hasn’t fully met local demand, the drivers argue for a tighter market with a regulated number of VTC licenses, known as a numerus clausus. They believe such a system would reduce competition and ensure a more sustainable income for all drivers.
A Call for Change
Following their meeting with the authorities, the union leaders addressed their troops, striking a cautiously optimistic tone. “We have been heard, but we must not celebrate prematurely. There are still several issues that need to be resolved with the platforms…”
They emphasized a determination to push for improvements in their profession which, many drivers feel, is on the brink of collapse. The drivers then continued their protest, moving from the prefecture to the Compans-Caffarelli area. There, they had scheduled a meeting with the Chamber of Trades, seeking broader support for their cause.
What are the specific demands of the VTC drivers in Toulouse?
## Toulouse Traffic Jammed as VTC Drivers Demand Change
**Interviewer:** Joining us today is Jean-Luc Dubois, a representative for the Toulouse VTC Drivers’ Association. Jean-Luc, welcome.
**(Sound of traffic in background)**
**Interviewer:** We’ve seen dramatic images of the demonstration this morning. Can you tell us what prompted this action?
**Jean-Luc Dubois:** Good morning. It was a necessary step to highlight the dire situation facing independent VTC drivers in Toulouse. Earnings have been steadily declining for years, while the costs of operating keep rising. We’re struggling to make a living wage. Compounding the problem is the growing number of drivers competing for limited fares.
**Interviewer:** So, what are the drivers demanding specifically?
**Jean-Luc Dubois:** We want fair pricing structures that ensure a living wage and transparency in fare allocation. We also need better regulation of the market to prevent unfair competition from platforms and non-professional drivers. This morning’s demonstration was a plea for dialogue and action from authorities.
**Interviewer:** The protest did cause significant disruptions to commuters. Do you have a message for those affected by the traffic delays?
**Jean-Luc Dubois:** We understand the inconvenience caused, and we apologize for that. However, we hope people understand the urgency of our situation. This isn’t just about individual drivers, it’s about the future of the VTC industry in Toulouse. We need sustainable solutions that benefit everyone, including passengers who rely on our service.
**Interviewer:** Are there any plans for further actions if demands aren’t met?
**Jean-Luc Dubois:** We sincerely hope it doesn’t come to that. We remain hopeful for constructive dialogue with officials and a swift resolution to these crucial issues.
**Interviewer:** Jean-Luc, thank you for sharing your perspective on this important situation.
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