TODAY; CAW Members Rally at Pearson Airport, Call for End to Exploitation of
Airport Limo Drivers

TORONTO, Oct. 22 /CNW/ - CAW members employed by three airport limousine companies will stage a demonstration this afternoon at 3 p.m. from the limo base to Pearson International Airport's two terminals, demanding an end to the exploitative treatment of the limo drivers.

The demonstration will begin at Silver Dart and Airport Rd. and then move to Terminal Three to Terminal One. There could be some disruption to traffic.

The union is in first contract negotiations with McIntosh, Air Cab and Aaroport, after the union was certified as the official bargaining agent in early February. All three companies are owned by the same individual. The 200 drivers are represented by CAW Local 252.

The union is attempting to end a number of unethical practices such as drivers being forced to purchase both their car and insurance from the company owner at a marked up price.

"It's unbelievable the extent to which drivers working for these three companies are exploited," said CAW National Representative Sukhvinder Johl. The total fees paid by the drivers amount up to approximately $7,000 a month, most of which is paid directly to the company, regardless of how many fares the driver is able to pick up, said Johl.  "This kind of practice should be outlawed."

"The purpose of this demonstration is to bring attention to these very exploitative working conditions and pressure the companies to reach an equitable collective agreement with its workers."

For further information:

CAW National Representative Sukhvinder Johl (cell) 416-419-3009 or CAW Communications Shannon Devine (cell) 416-302-1699