Driver lead, direct action..D-Day approaches.
Another week closer to D-Day in May and still no sign of the orgs meeting up to plan a joint strategy to fight for our survival, they're all still doing there own thing. I'm assured great strives have been made but we must exercise patience yet still no joint planning committee.
Patience isn't a virtue I'm blessed with and neither are my creditors as I'm sure is the case for most, if not all, of us. But as the days roll by and my tolerance levels disappear, being asked to have patience is not what I want to here.
Especially when the evidence against Uber driver's incompetence and illegalities are mounting daily, and not just here it's worldwide.
Bernard Hogan-Howe gave a virtual endorsement to law breaking earlier this week when he branded us all moaners, which may well be true but I'd say we had good reason lately given his officers non-interest approach to taxi law. I wonder if he's heard of TRIP (Taxi Response to Major Incidents Project)? It might do him good to find out and enquire if the "competition" have anything like it in place, then apologise in writing.
To allow rickshaws to ply for hire outside Hamleys and Selfridges on the pavement is shameful, but it's a regular occurrence and as we all know, get your back wheel caught in a box junction and it's curtains. Thankfully, TFLs bitch number 2 is soon to retire so let's hope someone with nuts and integrity replaces him.
The next bit of wonderful news is Pimlico Plumbers boss Charlie Mullins lost his appeal in court this week. It now means he must recognise his staff as employees and afford them the same workers rights all employees are lawfully entitled to.
I say wonderful for two reasons, a) It doesn't bode well for Uber's appeal due soon and b) I can't stand the man.
It should send a message to all "gig economy" type businesses that their days of exploitation are coming to a timely end. It should also set the precedent that ruining industries without any regard for the existing workforce will no longer be tolerated.
With the Uber virus slowly infecting the whole country it seems the sensible members of society are finally waking up to the reality of what this type of slave labour means. Let me make it absolutely clear, I personally couldn't care less if Uber drivers earned 50p per hour, but it's the knock on effect that impacts on us that leads to my lack of compassion.
Add their attitude towards us and the hardships their thievery is causing us and our families, I really couldn't give a toss.
However, this may present us with an opportunity.
If and when Uber lose the appeal TFL will be in tatters with the fallout far reaching, our orgs must immediately lodge a joint vote of no confidence in TFL. Also, in my view, this should be closely followed with a concise, detailed plan and request for self governance answerable to the Secretary of State for Transport.
It should detail enough to outline an interim governing body to replace TFL in all aspects of the day to day running of our trade, made up of the chairmen of all orgs to start with, but quickly followed by a voting process by which all cab drivers can vote for their chosen candidates to fill managerial positions. These positions would have a term life of three years in the interest of fairness but if competent, those men or women would be returned to that position.
This would mean all cab drivers would be required to belong to an org which would be the only stipulation.
Once this body is in place, trade authorities further a field could use our model as a way forward for their own cab trades nationwide, eventually forming a proper National Taxi Alliance.
In order to achieve any of this our orgs will need to be swift and bold in their actions, no nonsense, just a determination to get the job done. It's up to all of us to encourage them to rise to the challenge that, inspite of it's enormity, can be done providing they leave no prisoners. I honestly think this is our chance to reclaim our right to the livelihood we all worked so hard for. As it stands, all the orgs are waiting for Uber's second license to be granted before any legal challenge is mounted.
I think that's a mistake but I'm not legally trained so naturally they must take the experts opinion, I don't understand why challenging the first one is a lost cause. The evidence seems impossible to argue with as so many people have said but.............
In conclusion I'd like you all to persevere and "be patient", hopefully the good times will return soon.
Remember, we don't have to settle for anything!
Be lucky .
7 comments:
When it all comes to light that Tfl have ignored the law & acted illegally will we be entitled to a compo claim for lose of earnings & damages,now that would really cost them.
Another succinct article Harry Wall. So, like you, our wonderful cabbies, their families and the trade must all have their patience and tolerance levels tested to the max while we wait until May to see if Uber's License is renewed (or not) before the orgs will take any action? Is this lengthy delay just allowing TfL and Uber to mount yet another a case in their favour, after which it will be too late? It's awful to feel so pessimistic, but if they 'win' this one, surely it's all over? Please tell me I'm wrong :)
I think Harry's right. The trade can only make progress if it is proactive, rather than reactive, which is always too little, too late. Try to affect the outcome rather than respond to a further erosion of your rights to earn a living after the deed is done.
Of course Uber will have their licence renewed, why would it be otherwise? Does anyone still think honesty, fairness or impartiality are factors? If they were then Uber would of been forced to change already. This is politically motivated and repeatedly waiting on some politically controlled body to come riding to our rescue is showing the naivety of a 3 year old. We are going to have to force a change in authority, not ask for it. Delaying and then delaying some more only reduces the chance of winning as has already been proven. If you were told a train has faulty brakes, would you rather stop it before it leaves the station, or let it get up to full speed and then try to stop it? If there is anyone reading this that disagrees, how did you get on with those magic slimming pills, rubber wrist bands that help your core strength and balance, sending money to that Nigerian Prince, doing handstands to stop you going bald, giving your money to the church of scientology, paying in advance to have your driveway resurfaced, choosing your lottery numbers by dangling a crystal on a bit thread etc?
Every cloud and all that though. I'm of to place an advertisement in the next issue of TAXI for Voodoo Beans I found while travelling through darkest Peru. If you eat them I guarantee you will be reincarnated in the year 3080, or your money back. Only £99 for six, or save money now by buying 10 for only £200. In the unlikely event you wish to reclaim your money, just fill in the enclosed form after midnight on 1st January 3081 or request more voodoo beans at no extra charge. If you are over 4' tall, I recommend our Mega Strength Voodoo Beans at only £80 more. They look exactly the same as our standard Voodoo Beans, but be reassured they are double the strength. I think I have found my target audience.
Give TfL our bills back there not fit to govern anything.
As the above said let's sue them for loss of earnings
Due to their gross incompetance..
Just office wallers bought and paid for..
Anon 1:18 pm Whoever you are my friend, and if for nobody else, you speak for me. Your post is totally accurate. Of course Uber will be re-licensed. There is no question that they will not be. Our attack is too weak, too sterile and too late. We don't need trade orgs, we don't need a public inquiry, we need a priest. We had the chance and chose to take the blah blah land instead. We've even left it too late to ask Paul Daniels to help us now. Tiredness and frustration consumes me more each day.
Semtex.
This trade as got to be 95% cowards
There is no other word to describe you.
Have a meeting have a drive in listen to McNamara bollocks
All the time your trade is being stolen from under your noses.
On top of that our women are being sexually harassed or even raped.
But still you talk talk talk
DIRECT ACTION NOW
If you haven't got the balls make way forsomeone who has..
This fucking job ain't worth fuck all so what you worried about.
Get a minimum wage job anytime..
Fuck T F L and FUCK the old bill.
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