WATCH: Taxi drivers begin strikes in Madrid and Barcelona over ride hailing drivers

TAXI drivers in Barcelona began walkouts last week over rules governing those from riding hailing apps and have threatened to remain on strike until their demands are met.

Drivers have staged the strike over the government contracting of firms such as Uber and Cabify. Drivers in Madrid began walkouts at 6am today (Monday).

The Spanish Taxi Federation (FEDETAXI) trade union said strikes could go ahead in other cities if there are no changes to rules for ride hailing drivers.

Officials in Barcelona and Madrid both said they would listen to the taxi drivers’ demands but called for protests to end soon.

Protests were organised in Barcelona’s Gran Via which took place from 7pm onwards, with drivers occupying the road with their cars.

The first day of protests, police officers arrested seven suspects in Barcelona in connection with an alleged attack on a ride hailing driver’s car while he was inside the vehicle.

The driver was taken to hospital after having an anxiety attack.

More than 26,000 drivers are estimated to have taken part in the protests in both cities, taking some 15,723 taxis off the road.

About 100 specially-adapted cars were put on for people who need them to get to hospital or who are disabled.

Los hooligans del #Taxi dando esta imagen violenta y cromañona a su sector.

Hoy en Barcelona, agresión a otro trabajador conductor de #VTC que tuvo que ser atendido con desfribilador.

Cuando tratáis así a otro currante todas vuestras reivindicaciones no valen nada. pic.twitter.com/opll3DPv5R

— Toño Otero (@Tono_Otero) January 18, 2019