uber toronto

Toronto taxi drivers stage hunger strike to protest Uber

A group of Toronto taxi drivers set up a tent in Nathan Phillips Square this morning to protest against how the City of Toronto is dealing with Uber.

Reza Hosseinioun, head of the iTaxiworkers Association, says the protesters aren't asking Mayor John Tory to shut down Uber. Rather, they're striking because they say the popular ride-sharing app, in its current iteration, is operating illegally. "Make them follow the law," he says. "That's all we're saying."

While the small group of protestors came prepared with a roomy tent and sleeping pads, it's unclear how long they'll be able to keep house in Nathan Phillips Square. Hosseinioun notes the drivers are on a hunger strike because they feel as if they've run out of options in terms of dealing with City Hall.

Hosseinioun says the strike will continue until December 9. If nothing changes by then, he claims that Toronto's taxi drivers will shut down the city.

This isn't the first time taxi drivers have threatened a European or Ottawa-style shut down. On September 30, city council voted to start looking at the possibility of regulating Uber. A report is due back in spring 2016.

Photo via Don Peat on Twitter.


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

Cliffside park in Toronto is a hidden gem with some of the most stunning views

Toronto neighbourhood gets new garbage bins after years of complaining

Factory that was once a fixture on Toronto's skyline is now completely demolished

Toronto park connected to huge trail system is a hotspot for glimpsing wildlife

Toronto may finally start cracking down on out of control rat problem

Shocking hit-and-run video in Toronto shows driver slamming person into side of truck

Street literally set on fire outside of Toronto's sketchiest McDonald's

TTC route is changing for the second time in a month due to excessive gridlock