Media Advisory - Wheel-Trans Taxi Operators Seek Job Action Resolution at TTC Today

TORONTO, July 23, 2014 /CNW/ - Wheel-Trans accessible taxi operators will be at today's Toronto Transit Commission meeting to seek a resolution to a job action now into its third week.

	WHO:	Wheel-Trans accessible taxi operators
	WHAT:	Proposed resolution to 18-day job action
	WHEN:	News conference at 12:00 noon
		TTC meeting at 1:00 p.m.
	WHERE:	News conference outside city hall main entrance, 100 Queen St. W., followed by TTC meeting in city council chambers

The Wheel-Trans taxi operators began a job action July 6 over new contracts proposed by brokers Co-op, Royal, Scarborough City Cab and TPT that propose a 13-per-cent wage decrease, pushing drivers well below the minimum wage.

"Wheel-Trans taxi operators provide a critical public service for disabled people in Toronto," said Ahmed Ali, a Wheel-Trans taxi operator.

"We are asking the TTC to renegotiate its contracts with the brokers and re-apply the minimum rate of $2.86 per kilometre, to provide a fair wage for drivers and ensure safe and sustainable operation of Wheel-Trans services."

Accessible taxis account for about 44 per cent of the city's Wheel-Trans service and are the most affordable method of delivery. The TTC's in-house accessible bus service costs more than twice as much.

Many of the taxi drivers contracted to provide Wheel-Trans service have more than a decade of experience. They are dedicated, efficient and highly professional. About 80 per cent of the drivers have walked off the job and say they can't return until the wage cut is reversed.

"Wheel-Trans accessible taxi operators already work 12 to 14 hours a day, six days a week," said Sajid Mughal, President of the iTaxiworkers Association.

"This is terribly unjust. iTaxiworkers stands with the Wheel-Trans accessible taxi operators in their pursuit of a better contract. They deserve fair wages for their important work with people with disabilities in Toronto," Mughal said.

SOURCE: iTaxiworkers Association

Katrina Miller, 416-531-5192, 647-272-5024, [email protected]