Taxi Driver Online

Organisation: GMB

06.02.09

GMB trade union argues against free for all for cabs

GMB Trade Union has responded to a draft licensing policy for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers, by strongly arguing against the setting up of a free market across the area concerned.

Durham County Council which is to become the Unitary Authority for County Durham on 1st April 2009 has issued a Draft Licensing Policy for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers. This draft policy is now subject to public consultation with responses requested by 20th February 2009.

GMB has made a number of comments in its response. GMB has raised concerns regarding a potential free for all across County Durham. In addition the draft policy refers to all hackney carriages being of the same colour across the County and the GMB has suggested that this reinforces the view that the County Council favours a free market of operations.

Chris Jukes, GMB Organiser for GMB members working as Professional Drivers said, "The proposals in the Policy are troubling in certain respects as it is important that this is not a one size fits all arrangement, but respects the various areas of operation across the County. In particular we feel that professional drivers should be treated in an inclusive way in these proposals, but the way they are written, it seems that the proposals are very top down in approach. GMB would like to see the industry included more across the county in a sustainable public transport policy, as well as community engagement and regeneration.

Professional drivers have a lot to offer, not least in helping to promote the county to visitors perhaps from outside of the area and it is important that they are engaged in such a way".

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Mick Hildreth (07814 032002)
GMB PDB P39 Southern Region Branch Secretary
mick.hildreth@gmbtaxis.org.uk
www.gmbpdb.org.uk

So, in English, does that now mean the GMB are for or against restricted numbers?

I agree one size won't fit all, but that will cause no end of conflict in neighbouring areas surely?

At the recent GMB Professional Drivers National Organising Committee meeting, held on 27th January 2009, the committee voted to adopt a policy of supporting the limitation of Taxi numbers and opposing market forces in our industry.

However, GBC you are quite correct, one size does not fit all, any of our Branches or sections who wish to operate under market forces may do so.

Regards

BB

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Mick Hildreth (07814 032002)
GMB PDB P39 Southern Region Branch Secretary
mick.hildreth@gmbtaxis.org.uk
www.gmbpdb.org.uk

Thank you Mr BB, and thanks to my old mucker Terrence for his blurb on LBC yesterday.

I heard you and him were getting cosy!

Regards
BB

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Mick Hildreth (07814 032002)
GMB PDB P39 Southern Region Branch Secretary
mick.hildreth@gmbtaxis.org.uk
www.gmbpdb.org.uk

At the risk of being controversial, how do the GMB know what will happen come unification?

Do you lot have balls made from crystal?

Are you suggesting a bees around the honeypot mentality towards cab drivers ?

Dare I say it, are you condoning such things as zoning?

CC

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

How did that Unipart advert use to go?

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IDFIMH

Perhaps some of our members have an idea, as we have officers who are also councilors in the area.

Regards
BB

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Mick Hildreth (07814 032002)
GMB PDB P39 Southern Region Branch Secretary
mick.hildreth@gmbtaxis.org.uk
www.gmbpdb.org.uk

Doesnt mean they know jach sh*t about the cab trade, indeed, the reverse could be more appropriate.....vests and interest?

CC

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

That's bollocks and you know it. Vested interest groups will do whatever they can to protect their interests. This means drivers being forced to prop up those interests through hiked rentals and artificial plate values.

Councils then dangle the resulting artificial plate value over the heads of plate holders like the sword of Damocles - you feck with us and we'll pull the plug. Trade representation is then rendered impotent, with drivers being subjugated if they dare to rock the boat by speaking out.

So tell me Mr. BrightonBreezy, did you ever consider those who might find themselves on the wrong side of your agreement?

"One size does not fit all" but one size seems to be a catch all for you and your chums. So who do you represent, exactly? And what's more to the point, who's expendable?

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All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others.
George Orwell, "Animal Farm"

So the GMB endorses plate barons, hiked rentals and drivers being treated like [edited by admin] by the multi-plate owning minority?

FFS who's dumb idea was that?

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http://wingsoverscotland.com/ http://www.newsnetscotland.com/

I suspect it seemed such a good idea at the time.

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IDFIMH

In all fairness that's not their job, but IMO they should see a tad bit further than the end of their noses.

Restricting PH in London would be a god send to the minicab bosses, who could and would charge what they want for rentals, as new drivers would have no other choice than to fill the bosses coffers.

Other than maybe add to the number of unlicensed touts.

Of course Mr Skull could clarify the way restrictions work in his manor, and the way the firms abuse the drivers. One prime example being when a driver was chucked off a circuit for having the dammed cheek of applying for his own vehicles license. Is this what is being condoned down south?

TBH I never thought I would see the day when TF would become the champion of the spivs.

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IDFIMH

This could be the golden opportunity, taxi driver have been looking for.
no more number restrictions colour codes and any other daft rules could be all abolished.
Drivers should be allowed if they wish to get there own plate, not be told by some dip stick what colour of taxi they must have, as a sign on the roof and plates front and back would be more than sufficient, and because it will be one large area the right to work anywhere in that area

BB.. is there to represent the views of his paying members. those views are obviously different than the noisy minority. some of whom have done very well out of selling free plates.....

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Justice for the 96. It has only taken 27 years...........repeat the same lies for 27 years and the truth sounds strange to people!