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.
“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.”
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