Taxi strike hits one week mark...

[dutchman]

It’s now a week since taxi drivers in Coventry began their second round of industrial action over the issuing of new licences.



Drivers walked out last Tuesday after officials refused to impose a temporary cap on the number of licences being issued – saying it would be illegal.

On Wednesday, a number of cabbies staged a ‘go-slow’ on the city’s Ring Road, causing heavy traffic congestion during the evening rush hour, and have threatened similar action again.

However, a Mercia survey has found only 52% of people in Coventry felt ‘affected’ by the strike, with a significant proportion making alternative travel arrangements.

Some 13% weren’t aware industrial action was taking place at all.

Coventry Taxi Association spokesman Imran Zaman told Mercia: “(The council) have gone back on their word and they’re trying to lift the emergency cap which they put on.”

“They have agreed to do a survey if we pay them £40,000 upfront, but according to government guidelines it’s good practice to share that burden all over the drivers on our licencing fees - instead they’re asking for £40,000 upfront.”

“They’re saying the emergency cap was illegal when the government guidelines say you can put an emergency cap on whenever you deam necessary as long as they’re sure that demand had been met…why are we waiting for a survey, why can’t they just cap the plates?”

Councillor Lindsley Harvard, Cabinet Member for City Services said: “We believe the package we put together was good for the people of Coventry, the economy and the taxi industry. However, the taxi association’s demand for a temporary cap was a stumbling block.”

“Our legal advisors have told us that a temporary cap could leave the council open to legal challenge. This is advice we cannot ignore and a point we have been up front about from the start.”

“This means we are left in a situation in which the representatives have informed us that their drivers are on strike.”

“This is very disappointing, as not only have we worked very hard to respond to their concerns but we also believed we had the start of a very good relationship to take us forward – something we want to continue and build on.”

The drivers’ first walkout in January – which lasted five days – was prompted when two cabbies were fined by police for driving over pavements in the city centre.

The council’s current recommendations are going to Cabinet tomorrow, with officials hoping to meet with the Coventry Taxi Association again to try and end the current walkout.

[rebbonk]

Are the public actually noticing this strike? I've not heard a single complaint about it. (Regardless of Mercia's survey)

[dutchman]

Are the public actually noticing this strike?

Yes, a friend cancelled a rail trip to London as there would be no taxi available when he got back to the station late at night.