Taxi Driver Online

Sent: Monday, 28 December, 2009 0:06:22
Subject: GMB/CTA Members Call Off New Years Day Cab Strike

With the inevitable results of accidents and casualties and possible fatalities and the bad weather and driving conditions GMB member cabbies thought it was unreasonable to deprive the public of the expertise of the city's highly skilled cabbies

Cab drivers have decided to cancel the New Years Day Cab Strike scheduled for 24hrs over the New Year’s celebrations.


Said Terry Flanagan GMB Branch Secretary said, "GMB members have after long and carefully consideration not to strike over the New Year as they fear that the likely impact on the public, the business community, and of course the associated risks of drink driving over the holiday period.

Clearly at this time many of the cabbies loyal and regular customers would like to participate in the New Year festivities to deny them our services on this special occasion could appear inconsiderate despite the cabbies legitimate claims against the Council. The cabbies wish to demonstrate their appreciation of their customers’ year round custom.

The business community including of course publicans, club owners, expect excellent business at this time of the year. Cabbies too, being in effect small business's themselves sympathize, particularly in the present financial climate. They have no wish to penalize business's which are often the cabbies customers, and supply considerable quantities of custom.

Finally of course there is the safety aspect; unfortunately it is quite clear that given no cabs, many could be tempted to drink drive. With the inevitable results of accidents and casualties and maybe even fatalities, this risk coupled with the appalling current weather and driving conditions GMB member cabbies thought it was unreasonable to deprive the public of the expertise of the city's highly skilled cabbies. Naturally they are appalled at the Council's latest attack on them by promising in effect no action on their plight until April 2010."

Terry Michel, GMB/CTA said, “Really Terry Flanagan has covered it but I would like to emphasis our concern for public safety. Something this Council clearly don’t care about. Chelmsford’s Cabbies drive many thousands on miles each year and are highly skilled and very knowledgeable indeed. Many regard the cabbies as the 4th emergency service. They may rest assured that we will be available over the New Year. Unfortunately if this Council fails to listen to reason we expect the cab service in Chelmsford to implode."

Ends

Contact: Terry Michel local GMB Professional Driver members on 07782 190 844 or Terry Flanagan, GMB Professional Driver Branch Secretary on 07958 275339 or GMB Press Office: Rose Conroy 07974 252183.

Notes to Editors:

The GMB Professional Drivers Branch and the Chelmsford Taxi Association met with Chelmsford Council in October and were told by Councilor Whitehead that Chelmsford Council had no intention of restricting the amount of licenses it will issue nor will it do an ‘unmet demand survey’ despite the fact this costing the Council nothing.

Chelmsford local drivers’ have asked the Council not to issue any more licenses as there is not enough trade to provide the current licenses holder with a viable living. GMB has pointed out that there are so many cabs and so little work that desperate drivers were working ridiculously long hours (80+) just to keep a roof over their heads. Too many cabs and not enough work have lead to many of Chelmsford’s professional drivers facing repossession as their earnings leave them unable to pay their mortgages. Chelmsford cabbies, worried about placing an financial burden on Chelmsford Council Tax payers, have offered to pay for an official ‘unmet demand’ survey which they believe will prove their case. The Council has rejected the offer.

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

In other words feck off Ell Tell, we are not going to loose out on all that extra money

CC

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

Are they really highly skilled or just experienced

Anyway I'd like to congratulate them in coming to their senses and not striking at New Year ffs they're complaining they don't earn enough money and then contemplate striking at one of our busiest periods

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Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

Maybe a bit of both.

However when you are dealing with a press release it makes sense to big up your side.

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IDFIMH