The working time directive and the drivers hours regulations and two entirely different legislative instruments. The working time directive limits the maximum number of hours an employee may work here in the UK, workers can choose to "opt out" and agree to work longer hours. The trade union movement here in the UK campaigns to stop people working longer hours and to stop unscrupulous employers taking advantage of their workforce. You should note the Self-employed (that's us) remain unaffected.
Now the drivers hours regulations have long been enshrined in law and these deal with truck and bus drivers etc. From time to time the Department of Transport review these and the RMT being a responsible union are invited to respond. The RMT's position is clear IF the Department of Transport decided to look into the Taxi trade and hours of work then consultation should take place with the whole of the taxi trade. Now you should note that nothing is presently planned by the Department of Transport and we are sorry to see yet again more scare tactics from the LTDA.
It seems that some trade organisations within the taxi trade are more concerned at deflecting questions asked of them especially when you look at the growth of the satellite mini-cab office. Yes the satellite mini-cab office was created by Transport for London whilst the LTDA and the union UNITE had the ear of the previous Mayor of London. Now we have hundreds of clipboard operators with ranks of cars lined up taking your work, what have these organisations done to stop the rise of the clipboard operator?
The LTDA and the union UNITE want to see pedicab ranks all over London, they are not prepared to object to clause 19 of the London Local Authorities and Transport for London (no.2) Bill. If this bill becomes law you will see pedicab ranks starting first in Westminster and then other London Borough's. If you can have a pedicab rank what next a mini-cab rank? Talking of mini-cab ranks the surface transport panel of Transport for London produced a paper recently and this paper talks of mini-cab bays on the public highway.
We hope this sets the record straight and if you do have any questions of queries please contact us via our email address londontaxi@rmt.org.uk or mobile (call or text) on 07899 786 433. Please do keep an eye on the blog which we intend to up date on a regular basis.
