Immediate release
Attention: News desk, transport, industrial and political correspondents
BASILDON CITIZEN’S ADVICE BUREAU CAB DRIVERS SURVEY CONDEMS COUNCIL’S ‘FREE TRADE’ POLICY THAT IS HARMING DRIVERS
75% of Basildon’s cab driver work over 50 hours a week to earn as little as £100 gross
GMB today welcomed the results of a survey by the Citizen’s Advice Bureau in Basildon which clearly shows the Cab industry in Basildon to be severely suffering due to the councils "market forces" policies. The survey was carried out in the last two weeks and are based on 100 completed survey forms
The Citizens Advice Survey results – May 2010 show that during March 2010 and April 2010 that the policy of unrestricting taxi licences could be causing financial hardship, health problems and stressful working conditions due to long hours and a struggle to maintain vehicles that are accumulating high mileages due to the need to earn a basic living.
1) Over 60% of drivers are earning between £100-£500 gross per week from taxi driving
2) 98% of drivers stated that they are earning the same as the same period last year
3) 44% of drivers said they are behind with mortgage or rent payments
4) 92% of drivers said they have debts
5) 90% of drivers said their health had suffered as a result of driving work
6) 75% of drivers are on average working between 50-100 hours per week
7) 64% of drivers are driving between 20-50,000 miles per year in order to break even
Terry Flanagan, GMB London Branch Secretary of the GMB Professional Drivers Branch said, “This survey from an impeccable source reveals what Basildon’s drivers have been telling this non-caring Council for years. Clearly the Tory Council’s slavish devotion to market economy policies has led to a public service descending into a dangerous situation, the hours worked for so little are clearly unacceptable, flooding the streets of the area with cabs is creating a time bomb waiting to explode.
How can any authority allow such or indeed encourage such practices. Many drivers report health issues which obviously affect drivers adversely. GMB believe that Basildon’s drivers deserve better and so do the public.
Why is it that other Tory Councils such as Bracknell listened to GMB and carried out an ‘unmet demand survey’ and imposed a limit on the number of cabs in their area? This Council quite clearly had the welfare of its citizens and its cabbies at heart. It is fortunate that this research could be put in view of the public on election day, GMB call for a massive vote for Labour which have agreed to carry out an ‘unmet demand survey’ and initiate its recommendations."
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Contact: Terence Flanagan, GMB Branch Secretary of the GMB Professional Drivers Branch on 07958 275339 or Adrian Strowger, District Manager, Basildon District Citizens Advice Bureau Ltd on 07813 989336 or adrianstrowger@hotmail.co.uk
Friday 29th January 2010
Immediate Release
Attention: News desk, Transport, Industrial and Political Correspondents
BASILDON’S CAB TRADE THROWS DOWN GAUNLET TO COUNCIL OVER TOO MANY LICENSES
This leads to drivers pay declining and them having to work 80 to 90 hrs a week to make ends meet
On Tuesday the 26th January in the Ivory Club a packed meeting of Basildon’s professional drivers expressed their total disgust with Basildon Council’s apparent determination to destroy both the Hackney and Private Hire industry in the area. Drivers told of the Council’s refusal to debate seriously the limiting the number of Hackney licenses being issued in the area which is already saturated with licensed vehicles. This leads to drivers pay declining and them having to work 80 to 90 hrs a week to make ends meet. These hours besides being highly dangerous and very unhealthy do not allow drivers to earn a living.
The Council insists on ignoring the results of its policies. The drivers at the meeting decided overwhelmingly to after hearing reports from GMB Organisers from Chelmsford and Southend cab trades to join the GMB Professional Drivers Branch which has won many improvements for driver in those towns. GMB Organiser said that were Basildon Council to refuse again to limit the issuing on licenses they will instigate a programme of strikes, demonstrations and other industrial action to pursued the Council to the think again and bring the situation to the attention of the voters leading up to the elections.
Terry Flanagan, GMB London Region Branch Secretary of the GMB Professional Drivers Branch said, "It must be something in the air in Essex as four Councils, Basildon, Chelmsford, Tendring and Southend have Tory Councils seemingly hell bent on making the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire industries bankrupt.
The interesting thing is the looming local elections. GMB is sure the voters will be overjoyed when as seems inevitable strikes and disruption start causing them great inconvenience. It will all be down to the disgraceful conduct of this Council. GMB is confident that the Labour Group on Basildon Council will condemn outright the Tory's disgracefully behaviour towards the towns hardworking driver. GMB will organise vigorously on behalf of our members. I call upon the Council leader to initiate talks immediately to save the voters from what seems inevitable transport chaos.”
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Contact: Terry Flanagan, GMB London Region Branch Secretary on 07958 275339 or GMB Press Office: Steve Pryle 07921 289880 or Rose Conroy 07974 252183.
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BILLERICAY MEETING 26th January 2010
The GMB UNION GENEAL MEETING has now been organized. Tuesday 26th January at 7.30pm at the IVORY ROOMS in Billericay. Dave Clift the GMB guy from Southend-on Sea described the meeting to me as a “NO HOLDS BARRED” exchange of ideas. The meeting is open to anyone that holds a licence to drive a Private Hire Vehicle or Hackney Carriage. The GMB wants to hear the grievances you, the drivers, have. Then they will explain what the GMB UNION can do to help us, should we wish it. Information about this meeting will be passed out in your area soon. This information has been published by the GMB UNION. If you have ever voiced a complaint or shown your disagreement with the situation we find ourselves in, you should attend this meeting. Those of you who feel nothing can be done and that all efforts are futile, should attend this meeting. And Those of you who just want to be left alone to get on with your work, should attend this meeting | | | 
