Introduction to the Sindicat del Taxi de Catalunya (Taxi Union of Catalonia)
What is STAC and what is its role in the taxi sector?
The Sindicat del Taxi de Catalunya (STAC) is a trade union organization that represents and defends the interests of taxi drivers in Catalonia. Its main mission is to ensure fair working conditions and advocate for regulations that benefit independent drivers over other actors in the sector. With a history of active advocacy, STAC plays a key role in regulating and improving working conditions for taxi drivers, promoting a "one taxi, one driver" model, which, in its view, protects both workers and service quality.
History and mission of the union in Catalonia
STAC has been a prominent voice in the evolution of the taxi sector in Catalonia for decades. Throughout its history, it has addressed fundamental issues such as licensing regulations, competition standards, and labor rights. In a constantly changing transportation market, STAC remains committed to protecting the single-driver model, opposing any systems that allow license accumulation or double-shift taxi use, which the union has highlighted as potentially harmful to drivers.
The Double-Shift Contingency Measure in 2024
What does the double-shift regulation in Barcelona entail?
In 2024, Barcelona City Council reintroduced an essential measure to adjust the taxi supply to the city’s demand: the double-shift regulation. This measure allows a taxi to operate in two daily shifts, meaning the same vehicle can be used by two different drivers. This flexibility aims to improve service accessibility during peak demand times, optimizing the availability of taxis and making it easier for users to find a ride faster.
With this system, 25% of the fleet can operate in double shifts, resulting in increased taxi availability during peak hours. However, the STAC has expressed dissatisfaction, arguing that this measure may negatively impact taxi drivers who own only one license, as they believe the “one taxi, one driver” model is compromised.
Impact on taxi availability and user service
For users, this measure represents a substantial improvement in taxi availability during critical times, such as large events or weekends, when demand typically outstrips supply. By increasing access to more vehicles through double shifts, the city can offer a more consistent service, reducing long wait times.
Moreover, the increase in operational fleet during peak hours reduces the need for alternative transport platforms, such as VTCs. The double-shift regulation also offers sustainability benefits, allowing fewer circulating taxis to cover more demand and optimizing fleet use without increasing the total number of licenses.
STAC Opinions: One Taxi, One Driver
The STAC has openly expressed its concerns about the double-shift measure. From their perspective, this model equates each double-shift taxi with having two licenses on the road. In their view, this could advantage multiple-license holders over drivers who rely on their taxi as their only source of income. The union argues that the “one taxi, one driver” model is ideal for balancing taxi availability with job opportunities, and that expanding shift contingencies risks the economic stability of these drivers.
Challenges and Benefits of the Measure for Drivers and Users
Benefits of double-shift operation for users and businesses
For users, double shifts mean more accessible and efficient service, with shorter wait times and greater availability. This is especially useful in a city like Barcelona, which sees high tourist traffic and continuous activity, causing demand to fluctuate considerably throughout the day.
From a business perspective, operators with multiple vehicles see this measure as an opportunity to maximize profitability by fully utilizing each taxi’s operational capacity. The measure allows for optimized taxi use without increasing the number of circulating vehicles, benefiting both business and customer by reducing wait times.
STAC Concerns and Impact on Independent Drivers
However, the union has pointed out potential disadvantages. For individual taxi drivers, the measure represents a shift in the competitive dynamic, as they believe that better-resourced fleet owners could benefit more than drivers operating a single vehicle. From STAC’s perspective, each additional shift on a taxi could reduce income opportunities for independent drivers, potentially impacting the quality of life of those who depend exclusively on a single daily shift.
Furthermore, there is concern that service quality may decrease if taxis are not in optimal condition due to continuous double-shift use, causing additional wear on vehicles, which could affect maintenance costs and user experience.
The Future of the Taxi Sector in Catalonia
The STAC’s Position on Regulatory Changes
The STAC has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding labor protection principles for Catalonia's taxi drivers, advocating for regulations that do not compromise driver income and promoting decent working conditions. The organization has expressed its intention to remain actively involved in legislative discussions and proposals that ensure the taxi industry’s stability amid new regulations and societal demands.
Outlook for the “One Taxi, One Driver” Model
For the union, defending the "one taxi, one driver" model remains fundamental, as they believe this approach ensures a fair distribution of opportunities and prevents profit concentration among a few operators. As the taxi sector faces new challenges, such as the growth of VTCs and legislative changes, STAC insists that the traditional model is key to the industry’s survival and to maintaining taxi service as a reliable public transport option.
The future of taxis in Catalonia will depend on how these measures evolve and the balance that regulations can strike to benefit both drivers and users. The proposal of a double-shift taxi service may be a flexible solution, but the demand for transparency and fairness in regulation will remain one of the main concerns for STAC and independent taxi drivers.
