October 14, 2014
By Olivia Sandbothe
Reprinted From: http://www.afscme.org
Chicago, Ill. – In a big win for a new AFSCME local, Chicago Cab Drivers United has reached an agreement with Mayor Rahm Emanuel that would put thousands of dollars back into their pockets and signals a new era in relations with the city.
When the drivers began organizing for change earlier this year, they knew they were facing an uphill battle. Because they are not in a traditional workplace, isolated in their cabs around the city, the city would not recognize them for negotiations. But the drivers wouldn’t give in, taking their case to the people by speaking out at meetings and rallying in the streets. And now the city is starting to listen.
On Sept. 30, Cab Drivers United and Mayor Emanuel announced the “Taxi Drivers Fairness Reforms of 2014,” which include an ordinance that will be introduced to the Chicago City Council on Oct. 8 and a series of regulatory adjustments that will be implemented by the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection.
“We’re pleased that Mayor Emanuel has heard the voices of cab drivers and our union,” says AFSCME Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch. “These reforms will put more money in the pockets of taxi drivers who work hard, support families and serve as the city’s ambassadors to travelers and tourists.”
The reforms will correct some injustices that have made life difficult for the city’s drivers. The average Chicago cab driver earns only about $20,000 per year, in large part because of excessive fees, fines, and high lease rates. Under the new system, the lease rate that drivers pay to use alternative fuel vehicles will be lowered. The fees that credit card companies take out of cabbies’ profits will be reduced, and exorbitant ticketing will be reined in.
Cab drivers aren’t done fighting. Fares have been frozen since 2005, meaning that drivers’ income lags far behind inflation. But this week’s victory proves that, even outside the traditional union workplace, AFSCME members can make big gains with new tactics.
“By building power and standing together as CDU/AFSCME Council 31, our voices are being heard, and we are making a real difference,” says cab driver Dave Mangum. “We are making significant progress, but must continue our organizing to ensure that the City Council does right by cab drivers by passing these measures. And we have much more work to do so drivers will win the respect, justice and voice in our profession that we deserve.”
