Nationwide taxi strike in protest over Uber.

Italy's taxi drivers are staging a nationwide strike on 23 March, in protest against multinational app-based car transport companies such as Uber.

The official strike action follows a six-day unauthorised strike in mid-February which led to commuter disruption across Italy and ended with violent protests in the capital.

Trade unions representing taxis called the upcoming strike following a breakdown in talks with the transport ministry over the so-called Milleproroghe decree – passed by the Italian senate in mid-February – that would lead to the deregulation of the taxi sector.

Taxi unions have also rejected an invitation for a meeting “behind-closed-doors” with Uber to discuss how the digital ride-hailing company could work in harmony with the country's white cabs.

The 23 March strike is scheduled between 08.00 and 22.00, although during this time taxi services will still be offered to and from hospitals, and for disabled commuters.