I still refuse to drive and rather use taxis, a cheap and mostly convenient way to get around if you know the city (better than the driver). Most of the drivers are OK and love to chat.
In several Chinese cities taxis have started angry strikes. The government had to intervene in view of the sometimes violent incidents. The situation is definitely wrong. Taxi drivers have been suffering from exploitation (rather extortion) by monopolistic taxi companies, higher prices for gasoline, CNG, LPG, etc. (if they can find it). Black taxis compete, often with open protection from “security” people (real police or uniformed thugs). The poor drivers are a constant target for traffic fines. Worker rights? Unions? You mean, in China? If they complain they can’t make a living, they get beaten up or worse. People complain about the bad attitude of (some) drivers, dirty cars. I think under the circumstances they are doing great.
The solution: get rid of those monopolies, open up the market for independent taxis, lower the fees they pay to the companies, eliminate the corruption and start defending worker’s rights (a novelty around here). I would even agree with slightly higher fees. Where can you have a good ride for 2 USD?
At least the government (and China Daily) admits something is amiss but it will be a long and tough road.