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Taxi industry calls for Quebec-wide strike action Wednesday

In this file photo, taxi drivers take part in an anti-Uber protest at Trudeau Airport in Montreal on February 10, 2016.
In this file photo, taxi drivers take part in an anti-Uber protest at Trudeau Airport in Montreal on February 10, 2016. Ryan Remiorz/The Canadian Press

A coalition representing taxi and limousine drivers in Quebec is calling for a general province-wide strike on Wednesday.

It is just the latest move from the taxi industry in its ongoing battle with the Quebec government over a last-minute deal reached with Uber last month. The agreement will allow the ride-hailing service to operate in the province under the auspices of a one-year pilot project.

READ MORE: Agreement reached in Uber-Quebec dispute

 The coalition is demanding a meeting with Premier Philippe Couillard. It maintains the Uber deal, if allowed to go forward, will devalue taxi permits and put cab drivers’ livelihoods in jeopardy.

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“We are asking for fair treatment,” the Front commun du taxi said in a news release Sunday. “He [Couillard] is sabotaging a permit system into which tens of thousands of Quebec families have invested and which was instituted to ensure decent revenues for all.”

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The work stoppage tactic comes after two failed injunction requests.

READ MORE: Montreal taxis seek injunction against Quebec government’s deal with Uber

Transport Minister Laurent Lessard published a ministerial order Friday which means the pilot project would come into effect Oct. 14.

Until then, taxi drivers argue that Uber is operating illegally in the province.

WATCH BELOW: Uber’s place in Quebec

 

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