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THE BATTLE FOR LAX LATWA DEMANDS WORKER PROTECTIONS FROM ATS Last week, the Los Angeles Taxi Workers Alliance (LATWA) forced LAX officials to sit down and hear the voices of taxi workers. Next week, LATWA will appear before the full City Council to ensure that ATS no longer abuses and harasses workers at will. Victories
These events demonstrate the power of a united force of taxi workers! Thanks to our South Bay brothers & sisters, who’ve supported this effort even though they don’t even pick up at LAX. What’s the problem? Every taxi worker knows that airport days are the most critical for our livelihood. Every taxi worker also knows that ATS has made LAX a hostile environment in which to work. ATS operates because the City of Los Angeles gives it the right to control the holding lot and taxicab service at LAX. ATS does the bidding of taxicab companies, including throwing drivers out of the airport for trumped-up reasons and endlessly forcing us to pay fines without ever knowing about our rights. It’s easier to pay the money than it is to figure out how to fight an unjust write-up. ATS uses “short trips” to punish drivers. Some ATS practices seem designed just to put more money in ATS’ pocket at the expense of drivers. These must stop! What do we want? Taxi workers want high quality customer service and an efficient, responsive system for welcoming passengers to Los Angeles and getting them to their destination. Taxi workers also want – and deserve – humane treatment at the hands of ATS and LAX. Please see reverse for LATWA’s position on how to ensure each of these important objectives. LATWA’s call for improvement includes:Written policies and procedures for disciplinary action & Due processThe practice of penalizing workers and taking away their airport days without even explaining charges must be stopped. ATS should have clear written rules and regulations distributed to all taxi workers, including:
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procedures for discipline,
hearings, penalties and appeals; Workplace conditions & Health and safety At the holding lot, taxi workers must have clean drinking water, clean and adequate restrooms, a clean, safe covered place to eat, and fitness equipment (e.g., treadmill, stationary bike). We also want a professional study on how working at LAX affects our health and safety (exposure to exhaust fumes and toxins, lack of shade). Improved customer serviceWe want a “short trip pass” so that drivers who take passengers on “short trips” receive a pass from the starter and, upon return to LAX, do not need to go through the holding lot again. Accounting/TransparencyATS should be required to produce: 1. financial records at regular intervals on ATS income and expenditures to LATWA and LAWA (this is a already condition of their nonprofit status); 2. clear statement of what amount in fines is collected, the nature and number of citations issued, the disposition of each citation, and use of those fines. Improved taxi worker and ATS relationsATS should conduct regular trainings for ATS staff on sensitivity and humane treatment of workers, including better communication skills and knowledge of issues facing taxi workers (e.g., consideration of retired taxi workers for ATS positions). LATWA should have a bulletin board so workers know about our rights and issues affecting our lives.
If you have questions, concerns or just
want to support SHOW YOUR STRENGTH AT THE FULL CITY COUNCIL MEETING WHEN THEY VOTE ABOUT YOUR FUTURE AT THE HOLDING LOT FRIDAY MARCH 17TH 200 N. SPRING ST., L.A. ROOM 340 JOHN FERRARO COUNCIL CHAMBER LATWA BELONGS TO TAXI WORKERS We want to hear from you. STAY TUNED FOR MORE FROM LATWA: Our First Newsletter Analysis & Strategy On Medallion Proposal Next Town Hall |
