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South Asian Network
18173 S. Pioneer Blvd
Suite I, 2nd Floor
Artesia, CA 90701
Tel: 562.403.0488
Fax: 562.403.0487
Email:
 saninfo@southasiannetwork.org

 

 

 

 

VICTORY!!

 L.A. CITY COUNCIL VOTES UNANIMOUSLY TO ANSWER
LATWA’S CALL FOR
SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS
IN WORKING CONDITIONS
FOR TAXI WORKERS AT LAX

 D.O.T. INSTRUCTED TO WARN TAXI COMPANIES AGAINST RETALIATION

On Friday March 17th after much effort by LATWA and the courageous support of many taxi workers, the L.A. City Council voted unanimously to address LATWA’s demand for changes at LAX.  Specifically, within 60 days, the City Council will require that LAX put an end to the climate of fear created by ATS and adopt protections for taxi workers from ATS abuse, including improvements in conditions at the holding lot, clear written rules and procedures for disciplinary action, due process and respect for taxi drivers.

If significant improvements are not made, the Council has requested that the operating agreement with ATS be terminated.

LATWA IS FIGHTING FOR YOUR RIGHTS

Timeline of this Historic Success:

  • March 8 – LATWA succeeds in getting a delay in the vote and creates “Abuses at LAX Holding Lot,” a collection of stories from taxi workers about kangaroo court, harassment, frivolous fines, and the atmosphere of fear created by ATS at LAX;
  • March 9 – LATWA shares these abuses, and “A Call for Improvement of Working Conditions for Taxi Workers at LAX” with City Councilmembers, including Councilwoman Janice Hahn (chair of the Committee that recommends whether the ATS contract should be renewed) and Council President Eric Garcetti;
  • March 9 – LATWA Organizing Committee meets with Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) officials and insists that the ATS contract be amended to include protections for taxi workers;
  • March 10 – LAWA promises to continue meeting with LATWA but insists that the City Council approve the existing contract (without any worker protections); LATWA opposes the vote and wins another delay in the vote to give Councilwoman Hahn and City more time to hear from taxi workers;
  • March 15 – LATWA Organizing Committee meets with Councilwoman Hahn to make workers’ case;
  • March 17 – Councilmembers Hahn, Gruel, Rosendahl, Garcetti, and others express support for taxi workers, say “you have been heard” and announce in open session of the full City Council that they will work  with LATWA to ensure that taxi workers are protected while serving the City and the public at LAX;
  • Next 60 days – LATWA Organizing Committee to present LAWA and City Council with improvements to contract.

*                                  *                                  *

At LATWA’s request, D.O.T. is instructed to send a warning letter to taxicab company management prohibiting retaliatory actions against drivers who express concerns before the City Council (see below for copy of that letter).

March 16, 2006

REGULAR MAIL & FAX                                                                                                          E14

 TO ALL LOS ANGELES TAXICAB OPERATORS

Subject: PROHIBITION ON POSSIBLE RETALIATORY ACTIONS AGAINST DRIVERS WHO EXPRESS CONCERNS WITH THE CITY COUNCIL  

Allegations have recently been made that taxicab company managers have taken retaliatory actions against drivers who have approached City Council Members with complaints concerning their company management, Authorized Taxicab Supervision and the Department of Transportation.  Please be advised that it is not acceptable for company management, employees, owner/shareholders or owner/drivers to take any retaliatory action against any drivers exercising their legal rights to approach office holders with criticisms of management practices.  Such actions will be taken very seriously by the City Council.

Sincerely,

Thomas M. Drischler, Taxicab Administrator
Taxicab Regulation Division

lr06-057.tmd
 C:         CD15