French taxi drivers block Paris road to protest Uber – Video

 

 

Of the 1,200 taxi drivers protesting in Paris, the BBC reports that “at least” 20 taxi drivers were arrested for “violence, carrying weapons and starting a fire.” The bonfires were allegedly set before dawn and were later doused by firefighters. Other drivers tried to march on a freeway, but were pushed back by police officers using tear gas.

Rachid Boudjema, a spokesman for the taxi drivers, told the BBC that Uber drivers “vandalize professionals who are paying taxes, who respect the rules.” The demonstration is part of a larger strike that’s gripped France, with teachers, health care workers, and air traffic controllers all walking off the job.