Guangzhou taxi drivers strike in largest action since 1989

More than two-thirds of the taxis in Guangzhou went on strike Monday, despite government cuts in monthly vehicle rent and crackdowns on illegal taxis, the South China Morning Post reported. Drivers told reporters that the rent reduction was insignificant as the existing rental rate was already RMB3,000 (US$438) higher than allowed by regulations. While the Guangzhou government stationed hundreds of police around government buildings, the strikers did not assemble to protest. Instead they drove their cars to rural areas to avoid parking fees, parked, played cards, and did minor repairs.