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Teamster Taxi Drivers Turn Out To Protest Treatment By D.C. City Council
(WASHINGTON) – Thousands of D.C. cab drivers affiliated with the Teamsters Union participated in a second “Fairness NOW!” caravan today throughout the city to demand equal regulatory treatment with private sedan services by the D.C. City Council.
Taxi drivers are insisting on fair legislation from the D.C. Council. They called on elected officials to scrap a proposed two-tiered system that gives a competitive advantage to those working for services such as UberX and Lyft and instead craft rules that treat taxi and private sedan drivers the same.
“I and thousands of drivers like me are here today because the system is rigged against us,” said Irfan Jamani, a D.C. taxi driver the past 24 years. “Those who work for Uber and other private sedan companies should have to follow the same rules as we do. It is time for the D.C. Council to realize this.”
Today’s rally marked the second time taxi drivers took to the street to protest a lack of regulations against private sedan services. They previously voiced their displeasure during a similar rally in June.
D.C. taxi drivers formed the Washington, D.C. Taxi Operators Association a year ago and affiliated with Teamsters Local 922. Ferline Buie, President of Local 922, said taxi drivers today were speaking up not only for themselves, but for colleagues around the globe who are being squeezed by a lack of regulation of private sedan services.
“D.C. drivers are sticking to their principles because they know they are right,” Buie said. “Their fight is not only their own but that of taxi drivers worldwide. They are proud to join in the effort to raise awareness about these issues.”
The drivers’ caravan began at East Potomac Park before ending at Freedom Plaza, across from the Wilson Building (City Hall).
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters.