 | ||
 | | |
Industry needs simple, workable issuing formula
To the editor,
In 1998 a politically weak City Council legally (legally does not necessarily make it justifiable) dumped 1403 Ambassador taxis into the midst of the Toronto taxi industry. Then it added insult to injury: it deserted the predicament it created. Because of that, two factions have become bitter rivals: the dog eat dog trend has cordiality and morale in the industry at their lowest ebb.
To get our industry on its way to recovery in 4/5/8 years, it needs strong political will to pass the right by-laws, which would put a simple formula in place: 1 taxi to 800 people. That also handles tourists and business travelers.
As recently reported by Toronto Sun: this city’s population is 2,716,000 divided by 800 = 3,395 + 50 vehicles for cabs off road for various reasons = 3,445; about 450 standards are owner driven only, presumably half of that number, 225, should be added for completion of complement = 3,670 - present 3,482 = 188 Ambassadors, which should be feasibly converted after taxi review.
But the moral thing must be done first: re-establish one original seniority list containing drivers and owners. A number of the 188 would go to Ambassadors, some of whom should not be expected to buy new vehicles, they would turn in their Ambassador permit and replace it with a Standard plate.
Each following year 18/20/22 Standards could be issued.
Ambassadors were phased in over several years. It’s fair they be phased out by end of 2016.
A few years ago, when campaigning in Toronto, a Prime Minister was told, “that one cannot borrow on the equity of one’s taxi license.” He was awe-stricken that there could be such a repressive by-law. If the Taxi Industry is to develop a much higher degree of professionalism, that by-law must be struck down if people are to stay. Moscoe used power over the taxi industry. He would say ‘I don’t want to see the banks owning the taxi industry’. (And his words were to that effect.) It made bunkum then and it still makes bunkum now. There has not been a city in North America where that ever happened. Assuring value on taxi licenses will make it inevitably possible to borrow at any lending institution.
It’s in your hands City Council. To have the most needed thing: political will. And should those simple solutions be implemented, in 4/5/6 years Toronto’s taxi industry will be well on its way to harmony and a half decent living once again. Also there will be more positiveness, which will be reflecting to the public.
Bob Boyd.
Proposed ‘No Stopping’ bylaw could spell financial disaster
To the editor,
If passed by City Council (without any amendments and any accompanying City “advisory actions” being sent to its law and parking enforcement personnel), Toronto’s new $150 “no stopping” law is expected to seriously and unfairly financially impact Toronto’s 5,000 taxicabs, its 10,000-plus drivers and approximately 700 licensed limousines. These drivers, taxi and limousine alike, are expected by the public and the City to stop and to pick up and transport passengers in Toronto at all times. This includes the busiest and neediest times of day – those being the morning and afternoon rush hours being targeted by this law.
This proposed fine increase is causing concern amongst Toronto’s taxi and limousine drivers.
Note: An old 1978 City or Metro law allows taxis (but not Toronto limousines) to be exempt from tickets so long as they are picking up or discharging passengers and/or their luggage. However, it is widely believed that many members of Toronto Police Services may not be fully aware of this old legal taxi exemption and will ticket these drivers anyway.
In regards to this lack of equality between the old legal protection given to Toronto taxicab drives, but not to Toronto’s limousine drivers, Terry Danylevich, Toronto licensed independent limousine operator and licensed taxi driver, stated, “It’s not fair. Toronto licensed limousine drivers provide valued personal transport to Toronto’s citizens, visitors and business people during rush hour just like taxis; we need the same legal protection from unfair ticketing.”
As for the belief that many Toronto Police Service personnel are not aware of the old taxi exemption, or may have forgotten, Mr. Danylevich stated: “I’m requesting that the City send mailed notices by Canada Post to all Toronto Police Service and Parking personnel to ensure that they know of the new taxi and limousine ticketing exemption – if it’s passed.”
He added: “If the City won’t send this special notice due to the reason of high postage costs to the ‘taxpayer’ and the current budget problems, then I’ll pay up to $3,000 of postage costs for this mailing myself.” Note: The Toronto limousine industry alone pays about $600,000 in licensing fees to the City each year (estimated).
He also said: “It’ll hurt my pocket-book big time, but it’ll be worth it if it helps reduce the amount of taxi and limousine tickets being erroneously issued after all these years.”
Terry Danylevich
Kingsboro supports Beck review proposals
To the editor,
We are pleased to announce that Kingsboro Taxi has agreed on principle to support Beck Taxi’s proposals during the ongoing 2012 Taxicab Industry Review. Larry Labovitch, the owner of Kingsboro Taxi, has personally made his intentions known to Gail Souter, the General Manager of Beck Taxi.
Just before the Christmas holidays, the Taxi Drivers’ Coalition identified certain businesses and individuals within the Toronto taxi community and approached them to support the Beck Taxi proposals for reform. Kingsboro Taxi is the first to respond to the initiative and we are confident it will not be the last.
In fact, Kingsboro Taxi runs a tight ship from the west end of Toronto. There are many friends of ours who operate their businesses under the Kingsboro banner. The TDC highly recommends this company to the taxi community as a great place to work.
We would like to assure the rest of the industry heavyweights we have approached that we are not going to give up on them. If we do not hear from them within a week we will try again to convince them that following the leadership of Beck Taxi provides us a sure way for everyone to get what they need.
The notion of speaking as an individual or a single group is not as effective as speaking with one voice. We need to simplify this review process by having a ‘go to’ person who would represent the aspirations of a whole industry. Beck Taxi provides the Toronto taxi establishment that opportunity.
There are those of you who may not completely agree with the proposals put forward by Beck Taxi, this is understandable. The best way to make the proposals stronger is to become part of the dialogue. We are hoping, bearing in mind that there are no work stoppages on the part of our City employees, that when the review officially commences this year, the taxi industry will speak with a united purpose.
Asafo Addai,
Taxi Drivers’ Coalition
To the editor,
iTaxiworkers Association held a general membership meeting on the January 15, 2012. I was unable to attend the meeting. I communicated with Abdi Dirshe an officer of the corporation about what transpired and he confirmed that the members at the meeting overwhelmingly approved to increase the monthly dues by 40 percent.
Abdi wrote, “The expert has advised the increase of the membership dues by ten dollars. The members voted for this increase overwhelmingly.” The question is who is this expert and where are the financial records to necessitate such an increase?
The iTaxiworkers Association board of directors in my opinion should step down immediately. They are unelected and their decision to increase the membership dues highlights how out of touch they are with the real world.
A year ago the then interim executives promoted themselves to board of directors of the corporation without a vote. They assured the members that they had the experience but more importantly, it was reward for themselves for steering the ship to that point. Since then the new board has made so many mistakes, too many to enumerate.
Here are a few that come to mind. They organized an election that was rigged. They have refused to deal with this core issue which for the most part is an integrity matter. They failed to join Beck Taxi’s initiative, to work together in finding workable solutions for the industry without telling the members why. Now, they want to increase the dues, the timing of this announcement is totally out of place. None of the board members have had to account for the wrong decisions they have made and this is an unacceptable proposition unless the association is private.
I will humbly submit that what is needed is not more dues but how to use efficiently what is collected. The current board has failed and it is time for them to do the right thing and step down. Increasing the dues by 40 percent is not the answer.
Asafo Addai
MLS should streamline life-of-vehicle checks
To the editor,
(Editor’s note: the following is an open letter to Ian Redfearn at Municipal Licensing & Standards.)
Dear Ian,
This is a follow up to our phone conversation on 5 January 2012 as to policy changes at the check facility in regards to independent taxi owner/operators receiving a sixth year as to the life of their vehicle as prescribed in Municipal Code 545 Licensing Section 545 – 140 (C) Exception Owner Operated Standard Taxicabs.
A standard plate owner/operator and friend of mine appeared at the check yesterday and was informed that his 2007 model-year car would have to be replaced by the second check this year. Under the previous stated by-law that information is incorrect as his vehicle would have to be replaced by the second check of 2013 not 2012. The check personnel talked to someone at Coxwell Ave who confirmed their incorrect assessment.
You informed me that there have been problems recently with independent owner/operators going on extended holidays and, not wanting to lose all of their taxi revenues, have either put a second driver on the taxi or left the taxi in charge of an agent to run while they are gone. This of course would immediately remove their capabilities of having the added year of operation to their taxi but it does bring up some difficulties on how to deal with this problem.
As it stands now, the independent owner/operator is informed that his vehicle must be replaced after five model years on his notification sheet as the Commission will no longer take the owner/operator’s word that the taxi does or has not had another driver so he/she must appear at Coxwell Ave to have the vehicle’s records checked. If the records check is alright then Coxwell Ave will inform the check on Eastern Ave that a sixth year for the vehicle is allowed.
To have the owner/operator appear at Coxwell Ave for a records check that might take one to two hours of waiting time seems a little drastic to me and I would like to suggest a couple of alternatives to this that will ensure the owner/operator meets the extension qualifications while not having to wait two hours at the Commission for approval, which I also feel would be beneficial to the staff at Coxwell Ave as well. If there are other alternatives to make this process better for all concerned, I am sure that all owner/operators are open to suggestions from the Commission to expedite a resolution to this problem.
Have the owner/operator phone the Commission on a dedicated phone line to facilitate the extension. Although the staff member may not know that it is the actual owner/operator of the taxi calling this should not matter, as the only requirement is a records check to verify the extension life of the vehicle.
Have the owner/operator appear at the check facility on Eastern Ave where the staff at this facility could easily call the staff at Coxwell Ave and have the records check done and confirm the extension.
Instead of the standard check inspection form that is sent out to all taxis mandating their checks and life of their vehicles, highlight the independent/owner operators files and when the second check at the five year vehicle life has arrived, they could be informed that a records check has been done and they do qualify for the sixth year and the check facility could be informed at that time.
I would ask that you consider my suggestions and to move rather quickly to a conclusion on this as it is going to become a problem almost daily at the check inspection station. I would further ask that you educate the staff at both the Coxwell Ave and Eastern Ave facilities what the by-law actually says about standard plate owner/operator vehicle life extensions, as it is obvious there is confusion in this area. Other than the sixth year given, you might want to inform your staff that if the taxi was purchased brand new with less than 1,000 kilometers and operated by an independent owner/operator, then a seventh year is given.
Would you inform me as to the outcome of your investigation at your earliest convenience and to what change if any is made to fcilitate the problems arising from this issue? I also would like to know how our standard plate independent owner/operators are going to be informed of this present problem and whatever future resolution you come up with.I remain,
Gerald H. Manley
iTaxi votes to increase dues and strengthen service
To the editor,
(Editor’s note: The following is a press release from the iTaxiworkers Association.)
Taxi drivers in Toronto have voted to strengthen their association and push ahead with plans to improve legal services while stepping up the fight for justice for drivers.
The membership of the Toronto Chapter of the iTaxiworkers Association voted overwhelmingly to increase resources so drivers have a strong voice standing up for them in court and at City Hall.
The vote means the Association will step up its campaign to win fair treatment for taxi drivers and demand measures to protect their health and safety. “We asked the membership if they wanted us to keep going. It was their decision. They told us in the loudest voice possible they wanted to fight on, and supported additional dues and fees,” said Board president Sajid Mughal.
“With the constant improvement of our legal services the costs of running the association have gone up,” said Mr. Mughal. “Now, we are in a position to take the fight for justice to the next level,” he added.
At the iTaxiworkers Association general meeting held on January 15th, hundreds of members voted overwhelmingly to support a recommendation by the Association’s Board to increase the membership dues by $10, effective Feb 15th, and to introduce fee-for-service legal representation, effective Feb 1st.
The increases were recommended following a report to the Board on an extensive forensic audit of the Association’s finances that was conducted with the assistance of the United Steelworkers.
The vote means the Association is on firm financial ground and puts the organization on a sustainable path.
The Association said members will receive a notice in the mail explaining the financial details in the near future. The Association sincerely thanked its dedicated membership for their continued support.
“Taxi drivers have only one independent and democratically run organization to turn too and we know we are stronger together,” the Association said.
The iTaxiworkers represents close to 1,000 working taxi drivers including Ambassador, W, shift, lease and Standard drivers. We provide legal representation, group discounts and political advocacy on behalf of our members. We are the fastest growing independent and democratically governed Association of professional drivers in Toronto.
Jacob Leibovitch,
Executive Director,
iTaxiworkers Association
TLPA U.S. members raise over $60k to fight breast cancer
(ROCKVILLE, Maryland) – More than 60 taxicab and limousine companies across North America and as far away as Australia came together to raise money to fight breast cancer in late 2011.
While donation totals are still coming in, the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association, which spearheaded the project, is proud to announce that over $60,000 has already been donated to the American Cancer Society as part of the transportation association’s “Pink Ride.”
An initiative by the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association (TLPA), the “TLPA Pink Ride to benefit the American Cancer Society” encouraged its members to designate at least one “pink” vehicle in their fleets as part of the campaign. Transportation companies painted vehicles pink or affixed specially created decals of the program as a visible reminder of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. This was the second year TLPA organized its members to fight the disease, which affects one in every eight women.
Participating members in the United States designated their funds to go to the American Cancer Society, while those in Canada and Australia made donations directly to local entities of their choice.
Under the program, participating member companies contributed $100 each week per designated “pink” vehicle to the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer program to help raise awareness and funds to fight against breast cancer. A list of participating companies may be found here: http://www.tlpa.org/news/pinkrideprogram2011.cfm
There was no additional cost to passengers, and drivers were not allowed to accept donations. Members of the public were, however, able to help raise additional funds through a “Text-to-Give” number and a special website established by the American Cancer Society.
“We saw members across the country-and indeed around the globe-designate some of their vehicles as ‘pink’ to help drive awareness of breast cancer, as we are seeing large strides being made in the treatment of the disease,” said Alfred LaGasse, CEO of the TLPA. “I’m very proud of all of our participating TLPA members and the way they once again showed the impact of how they can come together for a valuable cause. We are working together to make a difference.”
Established in 1917, the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association is a non-profit trade association of and for the private passenger transportation industry. Its extensive membership spans the globe to include 1,100 taxicab companies, executive sedan and limousine services, airport shuttle fleets, non-emergency medical transportation companies, and paratransit services. For more
information, please visit www.tlpa.org.
John Boit
Know your facts when seeking WSIB coverage
To the editor,
In recent weeks and at the December 8, 2011 major stakeholders meeting, there has been a renewed interest in our members seeking government Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) coverage while driving their taxis. The WSIB is part of the Ontario Ministry of Labour and over the past 25 years or so, I have had several meetings with this Ministry in an attempt to have the government mandate taxi driver workplace safety throughout the Province and part of those talks were about WSIB coverage for all Ontario taxi drivers.
I am sending this letter to inform our membership what came out of my efforts and to attempt to educate them what may or may not occur in their quest for this workplace insurance coverage. In 2009 the Occupational Health & Safety Amendment Act (Violence & Harassment in the Workplace – 2009) came into being.
Section 71 of this Act deals with safety in our industry. The problem with the section was that the Ministry did not enact it at this time hoping that all jurisdictions would voluntarily enter into taxi driver workplace safety programs but if not, they would seek an order by the Lieutenant Governor in Council to enact the section thus legally mandating all jurisdictions operating a taxi industry to begin the taxi safety programs. Most areas in Ontario have not entered into a taxi workplace safety initiative therefore it is overdue to enact the section. If WSIB were to be sought and mandated in our industry this must be the first step as without it would be basically putting the cart before the horse.
Our members must first realize that this coverage has always been available to them on an independent basis but in my opinion, cost prohibitive. The Ministry has informed me that effective January 1, 2012, it would cost $4.99 per $100 gross earning power or about 5 percent or your total earning capabilities to attain coverage, totally out of reach for a taxi driver. Yes, group coverage would be cheaper but the question is, how much cheaper and would this still be out of reach for taxi drivers across the Province?
I do caution our members to approach this very carefully. It was recently reported that the WSIB is many of millions of dollars in the hole and we must make sure that the Province is not trying to make up some of their financial short falls through our industry like the City of Toronto uses us as a licensing cash cow. It is estimated that 30 percent of all Ontario workers are without this coverage so the Province, due to its financial hardships, will be no doubt try to tap into all avenues to recoup those dollars.
They have started this process by recently mandating many sectors of the construction business to have WSIB coverage so it is just a matter of time before we come up on their radar screen. Seeing as the legislation is already there, it only takes a stroke of the pen and we will be mandated as well.
Our provincial government knows very little on how our industry works and it would require extensive education to bring them up to speed on our industry before any program should be enacted. During one of the meetings a senior WSIB member stated, to assess premiums it would require taxi drivers to submit their T4 earning slips. He had no knowledge that we are not employees but self-employed therefore do not receive T4 slips.
It also started a discussion on how we would be categorized because at that time WSIB were basically dealing with an employer employee mindset. Would taxi drivers be dedicated contractors? Non-dedicated contractors? Self-employed? I informed them that we have been viewed in these and a number of other ways when it comes to employment status depending on who is dealing with us and what they are seeking. This of course would have to be resolved.
The Ministry must be made to realize we are not getting cheques weekly, bi-weekly or monthly as the vast majority of people they cover do. There is not a constant in our earning capabilities form day to day therefore a responsible premium must reflect this along with what situations would a taxi driver make claim. Comparing to most other vocations in their system, it is my belief our claims would be much less than most other workers therefore we should not be categorized in their general scope of thought and that a new reflective way of setting reasonable premiums should be sought.
There are numerous other issues that would have to be tabled and resolved before the Ontario taxi industry could possibly be brought into the fold of the WSIB. Should our membership be entitled to this coverage? Is it attainable? Yes to both questions and with the recent changes, I believe it is and we are. But the big red flag that appears to me is, “Is it affordable?” That will have to be negotiated and resolved at the bargaining table with the Province so make sure you are prepared and know your facts before sitting down as although the issue is the same, how you get there will be entirely different as our members are looking for responsible and attainable coverage while government as usual will be looking only at the dollars that can be made.
I remain,
Gerald H. Manley
To the editor,
(Editor’s note: This note was addressed to Taxi News publisher John Duffy from Kamil
Trabulsey’s widow Theresa.)
John,
Thank you for the copies of the Taxi News, greatly appreciated. Just wanted to point out that there was a misprint of his age, it’s 58 and not 53. Thank you though for the good work you did on both articles. May you have a healthy and happy New Year.
Theresa Trabulsey
Industry needs simple, workable issuing formula
Proposed ‘No Stopping’ bylaw could spell financial disaster
Kingsboro supports Beck review proposals
MLS should streamline life-of-vehicle checks
iTaxi votes to increase dues and strengthen service
TLPA U.S. members raise over $60k to fight breast cancer
