What an excellent start to the new year for the RMT London Taxi branch with a packed January meeting and a welcome visit from Steve Hedley regional organiser for the London Transport region (TFL).
Much was discussed at the two hour meeting and the branch is moving forward with the formation of sub-committees which involve members (Taxi-cab drivers) getting involved and dealing with the real issues that affect us all on a daily/nightly basis.
The issue of age limits was debated and we have decided to seek legal advice re this very thorny issue that will see many (thousands) Taxi-cabs come off the road in the year 2012. It is sad to say for all the talk of the change in management of the PCO we are still managed by people (TFL) who fail to consult properly with the very people who pay them the licence fees.
Transparency is also a major issue and in the year 2011 the Taxi trade appears to meet in private with no public record of meetings/minutes taking place. It is important that proper minutes/records are kept of meetings so that all parties whoever they may be understand the wider responsibility they have towards all of the Taxi-cab driving community. The RMT London Taxi branch is a well run branch of a very well organised and effective trade union, we comply with all relevant trade union legislation.
Over the coming weeks and months you'll be hearing a lot more of us for we are a campaigning union that doesn't give up but understands to win you need to be in this for the long haul. The issues that we face as a Taxi trade will not be dealt with overnight and one or two drive-in's solve nothing. You have to lobby politicians of the GLA/Parliament, seek consensus where you can, build relationships with the media but most importantly do the ground work, the real hard work and then present your case in a clear concise manner for all to see/hear and judge.
RMT London Taxi branch "never on our knees".
