(WASHINGTON) – Hundreds of D.C. cab drivers will attend a rally and meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 4 p.m. to join the Washington, D.C. Taxi Operators Association and formalize its affiliation with Teamsters Local Union 922.

More than a thousand taxi drivers have already signed up to join the association, which is being created to give the more than 6,000 cab drivers in Washington, who are independent owner- or lease-operators, a united, collective voice for positive change in their industry.

The drivers approached the Teamsters because they need to have input on regulations before they take effect. They want a stronger voice and more representation on the D.C. Taxi Cab Commission. Already struggling to make ends meet, the average driver earns just $25,000 to $30,000 a year. Many work seven days a week and 16-hour days are not uncommon.

Please note, while there will be designated parking for media, due to expected volume, it is recommended that members of the media arrive early.