Victory for Taxi Workers at Toronto City Hall

TORONTO, June 16 /CNW/ - Taxi workers are celebrating City Council's decision to protect taxi lessees from being subjected to arbitrary cancellation of their lease.

After an extensive lobbying campaign by Itaxiworkers, Toronto City Council voted to approve historic amendments from the Licensing and Standards Committee ending the ability to cancel leases without cause. The Council motion says a lease can only be terminated after the leasee is given "60 days notice" with "just cause".

In addition to protecting taxi workers' leases, City Council's action means that the City recognizes the lessee's capital investment in their cars, insurance and vehicle maintenance, therefore the lease will run for the life of the car. This action recognizes the obligation of the City to protect both the passengers and drivers and to guarantee that there is good service in safe cars.

"This is the first time in over 30 years there has been changes to the leasing by-law, and it's a good day for the city, for the public and all taxi workers," said Peter Leibovitch, Itaxiworkers Executive Director.

"This victory of challenging the old by-law is in large part due to the hard work of our lawyer Peter Rosenthal," said Leibovitch.

Itaxiworkers President Sajid Mughal acknowledged the constructive work of the Licensing and Standards Committee Chair Howard Moscoe and member Denzil Minnan-Wong. "They recognized that lessees were harmed by the old by-law and major changes were needed," said Mughal. "We made history today with this change. Without Moscoe and Minnan-Wong's tireless commitment these amendments would never have been adopted."

Itaxiworkers' Peter Leibovitch said, "This reminds everyone that with an organized voice drivers can change City Hall. Skeptics said this change would never happen and we proved them wrong."

The City Council Executive Committee also voted to review the 1998 taxi reform package. Leibovitch promised, "Itaxiworkers will be there to help build a fairer industry for each and every taxi driver."

For further information: Peter Leibovitch, Itaxiworkers, 416-278-4123