Pay row Accrington taxi drivers join rivals' ranksAROUND 70 drivers have left an Accrington taxi firm to join rival companies in a pay dispute.
Drivers of firm Max Cabs demonstrated in the town centre last month over claims they were being underpaid.
It has now emerged the majority of drivers have opted to work for other firms following a meeting with rival companies.
Arrow Taxis, Central Taxis, Alpha Cars and Adams are said to be among firms who have taken on former Max drivers.
Hackney driver Shamsher Ali was chosen to represent striking drivers.
He said: “Max Cabs didn’t come to a single meeting. The other companies were glad to hear from us, because Max had undercut them when they opened in 2009. When they dropped fares from the average minimum of £3 to £1.50 everyone struggled for business.
“It’s good for them to take on the drivers and good for the drivers.”
He said approximately 70 drivers had left Max Cabs and found new work.
Hassan Hussain, from Central Taxis, said they had employed around 40 former Max Cab drivers.
He said: “It’s about time these crazy fares stopped. When Max came in it was cheaper than the bus and actually took a lot of trade away from the buses.
“They’ve come to us because we don’t expect them to work for nothing.
“Our minimum fare is £2.50, which isn’t dear but it allows the drivers to take home something after tax, insurance, petrol and licensing. We also only charge £50 a year radio rents which is much less than Max.”
Max Cabs boss Talib Zaman said he expected many drivers to return within weeks. He added he would not raise minimum fares as drivers demanded and said the strike was ‘forcing him out of business’.
He said: “There are some drivers working for other firms but the majority are still sat at home. I am sure they are just waiting a few weeks for it to die down before they come back.”
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