On the 17th of March 2010 the RMT London Taxi branch protested outside the offices of Westminster City Council in Victoria Street SW1 over the ongoing problems faced by Taxi-cab drivers within the City of Westminster. With the now legendary bright red banner and the RMT horns blowing loudly and, might I add, three members of the RMT Council of Executives in attendance the protest begun promptly at 2.00 pm. The protest was good humoured with plenty of local people showing interest and support. But much to the surprise of all present Martin Lo, head of transportation at Westminster City Council, came out of the building and spoke with John Kennedy, vice chair of the Taxi branch, and fellow RMT London taxi branch activists.Martin Low was robust and polite.He explained he spoke with other friendly societies and the trade union Unite, members of the Taxi branch explained they were night drivers and knew first hand the problems faced by working Taxi-cab drivers. John Kennedy raised many issues but importantly mentioned the failure of other trade organisations to take part in the consultation regarding the bill before Parliament that wishes to voluntarily register "Pedicabs".
The failure of others to respond to consultations is one of the many reasons that the RMT London Taxi branch was formed. This issue demonstrates how problems occur when those charged with looking out for our future fail to get involved and deal with a very important issue at an early stage. If other trade bodies had got involved at the beginning the trade could have helped to shape the legislation and maybe we the RMT wouldn't be objecting to the London Local Authorities and Transport for London (no.2) Bill.
At 2.33 pm Martin Low agreed to meet with the Vice Chair John Kennedy.An immediate decision was then taken to call off the good humoured demonstration as a gesture of goodwill towards Martin Low and Westminster City Council. LBC 97.3 FM called the Vice Chair who informed the media of the good news that Martin had agreed to meet with the RMT.
Can I thank all the Taxi-cab drivers who turned up yesterday and may we the RMT London Taxi branch thank Martin Low, Head of Transportation, for coming out to talk with us and agreeing to meet soon. A big thank you also to the three members of the Executive Council of the RMT for supporting the plight of RMT London Taxi-cab drivers; Craig Johnston , Owen Herbert and Pete March thank you.
A special mention must go to the organising skills of Mick Tinnion, committee member, and Dizzy for fantastic banners/placards. Once again all members present would like to thank Martin Low for speaking to us directly and agreeing to meet the Vice Chair John Kennedy.
PS Mick love that drum, just fantastic...!
