Historic Victory for Blue Line Taxi Drivers

HAMILTON, ON, July 11, 2012 /CNW/ - A two-year fight has culminated with the Ontario Labour Relations Board's certification of the Ontario Taxi Workers Union (OTWU) as the bargaining agent for drivers of Blue Line Transportation in Hamilton, Ontario. 

It has been a lengthy legal battle with many roadblocks for Blue Line taxi drivers to form a union. The drivers first organized to join the Ontario Taxi Workers Union in 2010, but have been waiting ever since for their efforts to be recognized by the OLRB.

The United Steelworkers' legal team, as part of a service agreement between the two unions, argued the case on behalf of the OTWU. The USW has praised the OLRB ruling and congratulates the Ontario Taxi Workers Union on its most recent victory.

"We are delighted to have won this hard-fought battle to unite Blue Line taxi drivers," said Faheem Shahid, Acting President of the Ontario Taxi Workers Union.

"This is about justice and dignity for all Hamilton taxi drivers. United with our union brothers and sisters at Hamilton Cab, we now have a strong voice to make sure the taxi industry works for all of us," Shahid said. 

Blue Line drivers, the newest members of the OTWU, will immediately begin preparations to negotiate their first contract. 

Faheem Shahid, Acting President, Ontario Taxi Workers Union, [phone].