Wheeltrans Drivers Protest Unfair TTC Contract

TORONTO, July 8, 2014 /CNW/ - Wheelchair-licensed (W) taxi drivers are in the third day of job action to protest the Toronto Transit Commission's drastically unfair contract that went into force July 6. 

Close to 80% of all W drivers did not go to work today. In response, city councilors and TTC officials are meeting with drivers this morning at 10.

WHO:	Wheelchair-licensed taxi drivers
WHAT:	Media conference following meeting with city councillors and TTC representatives
WHEN:	Tuesday July 8, noon
WHERE:	City Hall, main lobby, 100 Queen Street West, Toronto

"We look forward to this meeting and hope for good results," said Ahmed Ali, a spokesperson for the Wheelchair-licensed drivers. 

"We think that when we explain our financial situation under the proposed contract, which has us earning 30 cents less per kilometer than the previous contract, the TTC will change the contract and allow us to continue to work," Ali said.

Wheelchair-licensed taxi drivers are not employees of the city or TTC. They are contractors who are vulnerable to the TTC's unfair restructuring of their contracts. 

The drivers enjoy their work and value their significant role in bringing accessibility to Torontonians with disabilities. They want to be able to do their jobs effectively and with dignity, while earning a reasonable wage. 

Documents obtained by the iTaxiworkers Association indicate the TTC deliberately set the 30-cent rate reduction as a "cost-saving measure," ensuring the most vulnerable workers in the transit system - taxi drivers - bear the brunt of budget cutting. 

"iTaxiworkers Association works for drivers who experience low wages while working hard for people with disabilities," said Sajid Mughal, iTaxiworkers Association President. "This unfairness has to stop." 

SOURCE: iTAXIWORKERS Association

Sajid Mughal, President, iTaxiworkers Association, 647-836-2930
Ahmed Ali, Wheelchair-licensed driver, 416-891-7612