John McDonnell MP and the RMT Parliamentary Group Swing into Action...

Lead convenor and London MP for Hayes and Harlington John Mcdonnell swung into action on behalf of the London taxi branch of the specialist transport union RMT after a meeting held recently at Portcullis house, Victoria Embankment, SW1.

The Mayor Boris Johnson, Tranpsort Commissioner Peter Hendy, Westminster City Council, London Councils and all of London's Members of Parliament have recieved a letter informing them of a number of concerns London's taxi-cab drivers have with Transport for London and the its division known has the Public Carriage Office.

The RMT parliamentary group have raised concerns over the vetting procedure of "knowledge of London" candidates and have called for a Public Inquiry into the PCO. The main purpose of the inquiry would be to reassure the public and return that bond of trust that is unique and such an important part of the London taxi trade. They have also informed all the above named parties that the London Local Authorities and Transport for London (no.2) Bill if it reaches the House of Commons WILL BE OPPOSED. You should note clause 19 of this bill would give Transport for London and all London Councils the power to introduce pedicab/rickshaw ranks and bays. So it is clear that others within the London taxi trade talk and sometimes print a lot but it is the RMT specialist transport union and its well organised machine and staff at all our offices throughout the UK that deliver and lobby on the issues that affect you and your family.

If ever you had a doubt about what trade union/organisation to join well here is proof that if you join the RMT you won't just get a voice on the taxi rank or in the street but your legitimate concerns will be heard in the Gasworks (house's of Parliament) and corridors of power. Remember others say ban but want to give them ranks/bays (ask the LTDA and UNITE because that is their position), some just ignore pedicabs & rickshaws however here at the RMT specialist transport union we organise seek dialogue and if necessary oppose legislation that will have an adverse affect on your livelihood.

It's not just Christmas yet and with plenty of hardwork to come be sure to join the only trade union that will give you a real say in the matters and issues that affect your life, so join the RMT specialist transport union and become a member of the RMT London taxi branch. http://www.rmt.org.uk/

London Local Authorities and Transport for London (no.2) Bill.

With the new parliamentary session underway and the aboved named bill in the pipeline at the gasworks we can confirm that a carry over motion was passed in the House of Commons recently and this bill is therefore still live and awaiting a 3rd reading in the House of Lords.

Please remember that clause 19 of this bill will create pedicab ranks/bays all over Greater London and will lead to reasonable people believing that these objects are in fact licensed. The RMT London taxi branch is opposing clause 19 of this bill on the grounds of public safety and we await the date of a 3rd reading in the House of Lords which will then trigger the window in which we are allowed to petition the Commons.

You should also note that the RMT have offered to talk to transport for London on this issue they have declined. We have let it be known to our Parliamentary group and no doubt when and if this bill reaches committee stage in the House of Commons we shall be letting MP's know exactly how some parts of Transport for London fail to deal with real issues that affect our livelihoods.

Join the only union prepapred to challenge proposed legislation where it counts and that is in the gasworks, sorry Parliament. Log onto http://www.rmt.org.uk/ and join online or email the branch at Londontaxi@rmt.org.uk for an application form by post.