Strikes and taxis gridlock Marseille
France’s second city grinds to halt as taxis block roads and public transport workers walk out.
MARSEILLE faces complete gridlock as taxi drivers block roads while public transport workers go on strike.
While the taxis are protesting against the rising price of fuel, drivers on trams and buses have called a strike after an assault on a colleague.
Metro services are unaffected at the moment.
The taxis are blocking main entrances and exits to the city and traffic is building on the A7, A51, A55 and A50 according to the Centre régional d'information et de coordination routières (CRICR).
Several critical junctions inside the city at la Porte d'Aix, Castellane, La Joliette et La Capelette have also been blocked.
The president of the taxi unions of the Bouches-du-Rhône, which represent 1,500 drivers said: “Fuel is the most important material for taxi drivers – it’s like taking flour away from a baker.”
The drivers are calling for the reinstatement of a 2,400 euro tax break they received which was cancelled at the end of 2007.
It is the second time this year they have carried out such action. They blocked roads in the city in February in protest at the government’s Attali Report which proposed reforms to the profession.
Taxi drivers will meet for talks with the préfet later today.
Meanwhile a strike by workers at Marseille’s port by workers with SNCM and CMN ferry lines has stopped services to Corsica.
Photo: Taxis block streets in February. Credit AFP Michel Gangne
