Sanctions Imposed on Uber in Cancún After Taxi Drivers’ Protest

Leaders of the Cancún Taxi Drivers' Union, "Andrés Quintana Roo", have successfully negotiated with state authorities to impose sanctions on Uber. This comes after a protest and minor scuffle outside the State Government headquarters.

The protest was sparked by a meeting where hundreds of taxi drivers requested their leaders to take action against Uber. The majority of attendees agreed to this, leading to a march that began at noon on Route 4, heading towards the state government building on Tulum Avenue.

Originally, the plan was to briefly stop at the government building before moving the protest to the Quintana Roo State Mobility Institute (Imoveqroo). The taxi drivers accuse Imoveqroo of allowing Uber to operate in Cancun despite not complying with the State Mobility Law. However, the protest ended up taking place at the State Government headquarters.

Following a roundtable discussion between taxi union representatives and Francisco Alejandro Carrillo Flores, the Social and Inter-Institutional Deputy Secretary in the Northern Zone, it was announced that the state government had committed to detecting and sanctioning Uber vehicles operating in Cancún.

Eleazar Sagrero Ordóñez, leader of the United Front of Steering Wheel Workers, stated that the authorities have committed to enforcing operations and sanctions, and applying the law to all transporters. He emphasized that the union must avoid creating further controversy against the operators of the international transport platform.

Rubén Carrillo Buenfil, secretary general of the Cancún taxi drivers' union, said that their only request was for the Quintana Roo State Mobility Law to be enforced against Uber operators. He pointed out that while the law does consider public taxi services through platforms, it also sets out guidelines and permits that drivers must have in order to operate, which Uber drivers do not meet.

Buenfil also noted that the protest was largely driven by taxi drivers from downtown and hotel areas of Cancún, who have been most affected by Uber's operations. Regarding the union's agreement with Uber following the state authorities' decision, Buenfil stated that they need to find a way to "operate legally".

Finally, in relation to the planned participation of Cancún taxi drivers in a protest organized by federal tourist transporters against Uber, Buenfil said they have received the invitation but are still deciding on their position before making contact with the union.