Dear Editor

After a number of years as Secretary of the LCDC and latterly as its legal representative, many will know me for the help and advice I have given with all manner of problems and difficulties including parking tickets, public complaints, police summonses and appeals against possible revocation or suspension of licence at the PCO.
I have felt that the time was ripe to move to new pastures. The trade needs a new voice and I believe that with the formation of the RMT (Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers Union) London taxi branch that progress can be made in the many areas of concern that face us. A new broom sweeps clean and this is a wonderful opportunity to ditch vested interests and the cult of personality and put driver first.
The current trade organisations have tried to face up to the various issues but have not projected a united front until recently with the Trafalgar Square demo. Ranks for private hire vehicles are only one of the issues and the trade needs to consider where it goes with the tariff and other working conditions and practises. The RMT has shown itself to be a strong voice in the representation of its members even if this has led to disruptive action. Our demo was itself a disruptive action and so far to date it appears that no further progress has been made.
For my own part I have joined the new organisation and I urge unaffiliated drivers and those seeking change to participate as well to create a Union where the taxi trade membership can create its own agenda with the resources of a Union with nearly 80’000 members throughout the UK to ensure the long term future of the cab trade in London.
Rest assured that the RMT will bring strong representation, legal cover and many other benefits to the working cab driver. The current recession is hitting the whole of the labour market. Therefore it is important that the whole issue of touting by private hire, penalty charge notices issued with malice by local councils are all addressed to protect our income and our livelihoods. The time has come for the trade to put its footdown. I believe that the RMT with sufficient support from drivers can be the new voice of the trade. For a membership application look out for the RMT man on the station ranks or call the membership help line on 0800 376 3706 and ask them to send you an application form. Tell them you’re a London Cabbie.

Stan Marut (Former Secretary and Legal Representative of the LCDC)