No Love, or Justice for Taxi drivers, One Year After Valentine's Day Attack

Toronto taxi drivers declare Day of Action

TORONTO, Feb. 14, 2012 /CNW/ - On the anniversary of a vicious Valentine's Day attack on taxi driver Khalil Talke, Toronto's drivers say they are frustrated with the long wait for justice and are no closer to fairness or equality.

It was one year ago today that Mr. Talke was told to turn down a dark, empty street by his passenger, who then stabbed him repeatedly and left him for dead. The attacker remains at large.

The assault made headlines, not only because of the brutality inflicted on Mr. Talke, but also because the father of four was victimized twice by a two-tier taxi system in the City of Toronto that treats drivers of "Ambassador" cabs as second-class citizens.

City by-laws banned Mr. Talke from hiring a replacement driver to operate his cab while he was in hospital and forced him to surrender his taxi plate, depriving his family of their only income while he was injured.

Amid an outpouring of sympathy and anger, the administration of Toronto Mayor Rob Ford promised action. The Chair of Municipal Licensing and Standards Caser Palacio declared that reform would be coming to the city.

Yet drivers say no action has been taken and the promised consultations on reform have yet to begin.

Drivers are fed up with delays and are calling for a Day of Action for Taxi Drivers at City Hall on February 27th 2012 to demand the City make good on its promise to reform the taxi industry and implement a single, equal and fair taxi plate for all owners, and end the two-tier discrimination of the Ambassador system.

Taxi Drivers' Day of Action
Monday, Feb. 27th
Toronto City Hall

In addition the iTaxiworkers Association representing all classes of working taxi drivers will present a comprehensive road map for reform, based on the principle of "one driver, one plate," and propose an action plan to help protect some of the most vulnerable and exploited workers in our city.

Jacob Leibovitch, Executive Director, iTaxiworkers Assoc. / [email protected] / 647-885-8294