Taxi drivers to have their say in new deal that phases out industry middle-men

TORONTO, Nov. 20, 2013 /CNW/ - Hundreds of taxi drivers are expected to attend the City of Toronto's consultation on a new taxi licensing framework that will reform the industry by transferring taxi ownership to drivers. The meeting is taking place today, from 10am to noon, at the Allstream Centre.

"The shift drivers coming today have a lot at stake," said Sajid Mughal, president of iTaxiworkers Association, whose membership are frontline drivers, "This new framework will allow them to own the taxis they drive, instead of paying exorbitant fees to garages, brokers and fleet operators."

Shift drivers, are the most vulnerable members of the taxi industry. They work long hours over 6 or 7 days a week and pay out car lease fees, shift lease fees, and other costs that cut into their take-home pay, which often falls below minimum wage.

iTaxiworkers advocated for a "drivers only" consultation so that the City can hear from drivers without owners, agents, brokerages, garages and fleet operators being present. "We believe drivers will be able to speak more freely and share their stories and truths about their hard work in the taxi industry," said Mughal, "work that isn't appreciated or valued by many others in the taxi industry."

iTaxiworkers supports the City's Taxi Review Framework document because it represents a strong and bold move forward to a less exploitative and fairer industry structure for frontline shift drivers and owner/operators.

WHO:					Taxi Drivers (members of iTaxiworkers)
WHAT:					Taxi Licensing Consultation
WHEN:					TODAY   Nov. 20^th    9:30 a.m.  (presentations at 10 a.m.)
WHERE:					Allstream Centre, formerly the Automotive Building (105 Prince's Blvd., Ballroom A)

SOURCE: iTAXIWORKERS Association

May Lui,  647.235.6567
Sajid Mughal, 647.836.2930