09/02/2016
Taxi Drivers To Protest In London
More than 5,000 taxi drivers are to protest at what they consider as government bias against the black cab trade and the promotion of private hire firms by 'light touch' regulation at the expense of passenger safety.
The taxi trade protest will be held tomorrow, 10 February, from 2.30pm in Whitehall, London, SW1.
Unite the union which is representing many of London's 25,000 taxi drivers, said the issues facing taxi drivers in the capital were mirrored across the UK.
Unite called for standards for the black taxi and private hire sectors to be raised upwards and an end to 'a race to the bottom'. It claims the recent private hire review in London was influenced by 'threats' from business secretary Sajid Javid.
An opportunity to deal with many safety issues associated with the arrival of 'app' based private hire operations was missed, said the union.
Chair of the Unite London & Eastern taxi cab section Jim Kelly said: "It is clear that the government, London mayor Boris Johnson and the Tory candidate for mayor Zac Goldsmith have all seriously taken against the black taxi trade in London, a taxi trade which consistently comes out top in terms of value and service compared to other cities around the globe.
"We feel that Uber exploits its drivers by using their self-employed status to extract maximum income from them which translates to those drivers working long hours.
"The reduction in safety for passengers because of the ‘light touch’ regime is to be deplored. It is a race-to-the bottom - when in 2016 we want the highest possible standards.
"The London taxi fleet is 100 per cent wheelchair accessible. There is no compulsion on private hire operators such as Uber to provide for these passengers."
The taxi trade protest will be held tomorrow, 10 February, from 2.30pm in Whitehall, London, SW1.
Unite the union which is representing many of London's 25,000 taxi drivers, said the issues facing taxi drivers in the capital were mirrored across the UK.
Unite called for standards for the black taxi and private hire sectors to be raised upwards and an end to 'a race to the bottom'. It claims the recent private hire review in London was influenced by 'threats' from business secretary Sajid Javid.
An opportunity to deal with many safety issues associated with the arrival of 'app' based private hire operations was missed, said the union.
Chair of the Unite London & Eastern taxi cab section Jim Kelly said: "It is clear that the government, London mayor Boris Johnson and the Tory candidate for mayor Zac Goldsmith have all seriously taken against the black taxi trade in London, a taxi trade which consistently comes out top in terms of value and service compared to other cities around the globe.
"We feel that Uber exploits its drivers by using their self-employed status to extract maximum income from them which translates to those drivers working long hours.
"The reduction in safety for passengers because of the ‘light touch’ regime is to be deplored. It is a race-to-the bottom - when in 2016 we want the highest possible standards.
"The London taxi fleet is 100 per cent wheelchair accessible. There is no compulsion on private hire operators such as Uber to provide for these passengers."
Related Northern Ireland Recruitment News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 April 2009
Dublin Bus Services Restored
Most Dublin Bus services in the capital have been restored following strike action. Those operating out of the Harristown depot are still being curtailed by workers, but Dublin Bus has announced that the Clontarf, Conyngham Road, Phibsboro and Summerhill depots are no longer affected.
Dublin Bus Services Restored
Most Dublin Bus services in the capital have been restored following strike action. Those operating out of the Harristown depot are still being curtailed by workers, but Dublin Bus has announced that the Clontarf, Conyngham Road, Phibsboro and Summerhill depots are no longer affected.
10 March 2010
Taxis Continue Strike In Dublin And Cork
Taxi drivers are today continuing their campaign in Dublin this morning and extending it to other areas of the city over their ongoing dispute with the Taxi Regulator. The rank at Dublin Airport is now closed and other ranks throughout the city will close during the course of the morning.
Taxis Continue Strike In Dublin And Cork
Taxi drivers are today continuing their campaign in Dublin this morning and extending it to other areas of the city over their ongoing dispute with the Taxi Regulator. The rank at Dublin Airport is now closed and other ranks throughout the city will close during the course of the morning.
31 March 2009
Taxi Disruption Ends
Although expected disruption for air travellers has been avoided, hundreds of taxi drivers took part in a 24-hour protest yesterday. A group called Taxi Drivers for Change organised the day of action, which saw services stopped from 4am on Monday morning. Drivers are calling for the suspension of new licences and a review of the taxi industry.
Taxi Disruption Ends
Although expected disruption for air travellers has been avoided, hundreds of taxi drivers took part in a 24-hour protest yesterday. A group called Taxi Drivers for Change organised the day of action, which saw services stopped from 4am on Monday morning. Drivers are calling for the suspension of new licences and a review of the taxi industry.
18 March 2010
Taxis 'Off Duty' As Strike Hits
There's to be a three-hour stoppage this afternoon as thousands of taxi drivers across Ireland are expected to withdraw services from the country's main airports, train and bus stations. They will also stage go-slow protests through a number of major cities and towns.
Taxis 'Off Duty' As Strike Hits
There's to be a three-hour stoppage this afternoon as thousands of taxi drivers across Ireland are expected to withdraw services from the country's main airports, train and bus stations. They will also stage go-slow protests through a number of major cities and towns.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.