Uber Drivers in Cancún Protest National Guard Abuse

A group of Uber drivers in Cancún staged a protest on Wednesday in Tajamar, expressing their frustration over continued abuse and arbitrary actions by local authorities, particularly the National Guard. The most recent incident involved a young driver whose car was towed to the impound lot while he was still inside, sparking outrage among his colleagues.

Approximately 80 Uber drivers gathered at the main entrance to Malecón Tajamar, calling on authorities to halt the harassment they claim to be enduring.

The protest was intended to be peaceful and aimed to culminate at the airport, in response to the National Guard's alleged arbitrary actions. The plan was to convene in Tajamar and then form a caravan along the entire Luis Donaldo Colosio boulevard, ending at one of the terminals at Cancún International Airport.

However, National Guard patrol cars arrived at the meeting point, leading to a brief discussion and a promise of a formal meeting in the near future to address the drivers' concerns.

The primary grievance of the Uber drivers is the constant abuse and arbitrary actions they face from officers of the National Guard. Despite Uber's claim of having protection to provide services at the airport, the National Guard continues to make daily arrests at the airport terminal.

The fines for each arrest are approximately 60,000 pesos, in addition to lost income due to the time it takes to retrieve the car from the impound lot. Although Uber typically covers these fines, the drivers assert that the impact is ultimately felt by the workers.

After the arrival of seven patrol cars at Tajamar, the Uber drivers decided to postpone the caravan and await a future meeting.