Hunts for drivers, posters in public spaces, and protests in front of the City Council against communist regulations
Users and drivers shared videos showing inspectors blocking private cars. The operations included vehicle retention and million-peso fines. The Municipality did not provide public explanations about its actions.
These actions add to an increasingly tense climate between the municipality and platform workers. The punitive approach of Kirchnerist Passerini's government unleashed a wave of rejection. Many consider it a direct attack on flexible employment.
The app-based transportation company launched a new campaign to halt the progress of an ordinance that limits its activity. The project proposes a cap of 3,998 licenses, leaving out 77% of drivers. Uber launched posters, mass emails, and signature collection.
The app claims that the ordinance promoted in the City Council harms workers and users. In the messages sent, they state that there will be more expensive rides, delays, and thousands without income. The campaign includes the slogan #NoAtrasemosCBA and a survey commissioned from a local consulting firm.
Meanwhile, Uber's regional spokesperson, Juan Labaqui, asked that "users be heard" and accused a lack of dialogue. For the first time, the multinational is adopting a confrontational tone regarding the legislative process. The measure seeks to shield its informal model and avoid controls.
On Saturday, massive operations to hunt Uber drivers took place in Córdoba city. Agents from the Transportation Secretariat ambushed drivers during rides. The procedures caused outrage and were reported on social media.
This Monday, July 21, self-organized drivers protested in front of the City Council. The demonstration rejected the Kirchnerist ordinance promoted by the local administration. According to the organizers, more than 77% of drivers would be left out of the system.
The demonstrators demanded to stop the initiative that proposes fixed quotas, municipal authorization, and a minimum fare. They claim they would lose income of up to 200,000 pesos (440 pounds) per month. They also reported that the aim is to benefit unions and traditional taxis.
The ordinance is part of the digital regulation program of the improvised Passerini. It intends for Uber to operate as a "remís" and defends unions and syndicates. The measure is supported by "remisero" unions and transportation syndicates.
