A new conflict is brewing in Barcelona between traditional taxi drivers and major international ride-hailing services. This time, the cause for discontent is a sponsorship deal between FC Barcelona and Uber. In response, the Elite Taxi union announced a complete work stoppage on Tuesday from 17:00 to 22:00 and a large-scale demonstration.
Organizers of the protest argue that Uber has long violated local laws, infringed on drivers’ rights, and negatively impacted public transportation in the city. In their view, support for such a partner from one of the country’s most renowned football clubs is more than just a commercial agreement—it’s a blow to the interests of the entire taxi sector and the city’s residents.
The protest route will run from Avinguda Maria Cristina to FC Barcelona’s offices in the Les Corts district and to Estadi Olímpic, where a football match is scheduled for that day. Participants plan to surround both locations to express their disagreement with the club’s actions and draw attention to the issue.
Former FC Barcelona president Joan Gaspart has stepped in, agreeing to mediate a meeting between Elite Taxi and the club’s management. Union representatives believe that such figures can convey the taxi drivers’ position to the club leadership and explain why cooperation with Uber is seen as an insult to the city and its services.
Taxi drivers believe that such agreements undermine trust in traditional carriers and set a dangerous precedent for the entire industry. They are demanding that the club reconsider the terms of collaboration and are urging authorities to pay attention to the activities of international services, which they claim operate outside the legal framework. Further negotiations and new statements from both sides are expected in the coming days.
