Private hire drivers in New Year strike threat
Tuesday 22nd December 2009, 9:44AM GMT.
Private hire drivers across Telford have threatened to down tools again and strike on New Year’s Eve if a series of demands are not met.
The dispute centres on claims by the drivers that they are being unfairly punished by Telford & Wrekin Council’s licensing department for minor indiscretions.
It saw scores go on strike on Saturday night – and in a letter to the council from the Telford Private Hire Drivers Association further action has now been promised if action is not taken .
The letter demands an independent review and inquiry into the way drivers have been treated and warns: “If the above is not fulfilled, the trade will take further strike action – specifically on New Year’s Eve – and continue until matters are resolved.”
The strike at the weekend saw members refuse to pick up fares in Telford between 11pm and 2am on Sunday. Private hire company bosses said they are sympathetic to the drivers’ concerns but against any further strikes.
A statement issued by the Telford Private Hire Operators’ Association said: “We are opposed to any suspension of service by drivers to an already hard-pressed public, especially at this time of year. With this in mind, we have entered into productive talks with the council’s senior management and are hopeful of a satisfactory conclusion.”
No one was available for comment at Telford & Wrekin Council.
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If someone breaks the law ie. minor indisgretions. Then why not be pulled up for it ?.
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I’m pleased that they don’t need the money! I have been quoted £78 for my new years eve travels which I was quite happy to pay. After reading this I’m not taking the risk of being left stranded and will make alternative arrangements.
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Can’t really understand what the problems is, being a private hire driver in another area, we too have our problems but if there is a problem with their vehicles or working practices then the companies should sort it out and not end up gojng against regulations that they probably helped approve in the past
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I was in Wellington Sat night, didn’t cause a problem. What is striking going to achieve…..it achieved nothing last Sat!
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Talking of striking mini cab drivers, I’d like to strike the driver of the mini cab who tailgated me through Prioslee this morning in icy conditions because I was doing 39mph in a 40mph zone and then erratically undertook me and another vehicle at the M54 junction 4.
Clamp down on these mini cab firms – they’re not interested in rules, laws or regulations of any sort so it’s good to hear that the authorities are clamping down. Only idiots strike.
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They are giving the majority of taxi drivers who don’t support the strike – and won’t give in to their bullying tactics – a bad name.
The drivers association have said that the strike is nothing to do with the general public, that it is a dispute with the council – perhaps if the stuck to the rules of their licences they council wouldn’t give them any problems.
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Hackney carriage drivers pay lots more money for the privalage to be flagged down if private hire cars want the same buy a hackney carriage 30,000 should cover it
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WE ARE WITH THE TAXI DRIVERS AND THE COUNCIL IS UNFAIR
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WE ARE WITH THE TAXI DRIVERS AND THE COUNCIL IS UNFAIR
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WE ARE WITH THE TAXI DRIVERS AND THE COUNCIL IS UNFAIR.
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WE ARE WITH THE TAXI DRIVERS AND THE COUNCIL IS UNFAIR
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i am wiv the taxi drivers and the council is unfair
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AGAINST THE STRIKE..!!!!!
their problems with the ciuncil has nothing to do with the nightclubs this strike affects .. and nothing to do with the public its affecting .. why dont they stop and think … do somnething that doesnt affect the people so bad
my new years celebrations are ruined and ill never use a taxi again that takes part in this strike..
would also be interesting to know if the drink drive arrest were up on the last strike … see if the taxi firms are responsible for surge of drink driving
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