On Friday, Saaremaa taxi drivers held their second strike against the ride-hailing company Bolt due to its long-standing refusal to increase fares on the island. The initial strike took place in January of this year and lasted three hours, highlighting ongoing frustration with Bolt's pricing practices. Arvi Hallik, a member of the management at the taxi company Hea Takso, emphasized that while operational costs such as fuel, insurance, and taxes have significantly increased, Bolt has not adjusted their fares in years.

After the first strike in January, representatives from Bolt approached the taxi drivers but only offered minimal fare adjustments. The introduction of a dynamic pricing model in the fall further exacerbated the situation, leading to lower income for drivers, particularly in an area like Saaremaa with relatively low demand. Hallik argues that if Bolt wishes to take away the drivers' freedom to determine their own prices, they must compensate them fairly, highlighting the broader implications for the gig economy and local labor rights.

This ongoing struggle of Saaremaa taxi drivers reflects a growing trend of labor activism within Estonia, with hopes that it might inspire taxi drivers in other Estonian cities to advocate for better fare conditions and more workers' rights. The situation underscores the tension between traditional taxi services and ride-hailing platforms, as well as the necessity for local authorities to consider the livelihoods of transportation workers in the face of changing economic landscapes.