Minsk taxi drivers are ready to go on strike

Taxi drivers will hold an action “Stop-order”.

It is not ruled out that at the end of this week Minsk resident may face difficulties with getting a cab. For what taxi drivers told onliner.by, they intent to hold an action “Stop-order” against the law tariffs, frozen until summer 2014. Journalists addressed the management of the city’s taxi firms.

- I learnt about this action by accident, - told a cab driver, who called the editorial office. – Leaflets appeared in the places for operational inspections, saying that the expenses had recently increased by 50%, while the tariffs remained the same. At the same time it is suggested to go on working on their own”.

The action is scheduled for the rush hour, when the demand for taxis is high and it is often difficult to reach a taxi firm on a short number.

- The rate around the city now averages to 4 thousand roubles per 1 km, - the caller explained.

- It is suggested to raise it by 50%. We buy spare parts, which are linked to the exchange rate for US dollar, pay for gas, which constantly goes up in price. So shall the management of taxi firms hear us.

They sent us a photo to confirm that such leaflets exist. This idea is already being discussed on taxi service specialized internet-forums. Drivers take it differently.

The management of one of Minsk taxi companies learnt about the action with surprise: “We are hearing that for the first time. This is quite strange, since all the taxi drivers are aware of the memorandum, signed by Minsk city executive committee and all the city’s taxi companies. According to it, no one will raise the tariffs before 31 May 2014. It is of no difference for us, what the tariffs becomes, since our profit does not depend on that. We partly agree with the arguments of drivers. But there is an agreement with the city, and it will have to be observed. Obviously, it is also linked to the Ice Hockey World Championship”.

They also hinted that there were ways to influence the situation. One company, for instance, practices taking the driver off the queue for a non-delivered order, another holds the driver off orders for half an hour.