The United trade demo in Trafalgar Square on 5th Feb 2009 was declared a huge success by all concerned. Vast areas of central London became a car park with virtually nothing moving on more than 2 wheels. Sources have indicated that over 8,000 cabs took part. The largest demo by the taxi trade in London ever. London’s hackney drivers must be commended for this show of the depth of feeling about the issues regarding illegal PH ranks and the closely related Clip Board Johnnie activities.

It was also the first public appearance of the newly formed RMT Taxis London Branch. Judging by the comments from the trade received by our marshals it is something many drivers have been waiting for. Although some so called faces in the trade will raise the old lament that the last thing the trade needs now, is yet another organisation splitting the trade up even more, the facts show a different picture. Only around a third of the trade belong to any trade organisation. That’s not to discredit those organisations but to point out that there is more than enough room for another and the feed back we got at Trafalgar Square showed that we are right.

However, Thursday was not the end of the fight and further actions will be needed to keep the issue on the table until Westminster Council, The PCO and anyone else who thinks they can just ignore the laws of the land when it suits them realise that they cannot.  Picketing the illegal rank in Whitcombe Street is one option to be considered. This will need further shows of support from the trade, but following Thursday’s magnificent turnout who can doubt that this support will be forthcoming.  

The RMT prides itself on been a genuine member lead Union fighting for the rights and working conditions of its members and the London Taxi Branch will follow in those footsteps. We will seek to work with the other trade organisations for the good of the trade as our members see fit, but it will be what the members decide within the democratic processes of the Union. If you want a genuine say in your trade’s future join us. The RMT is committed to fully backing the London Taxi Trade, defending their members working conditions and standard of life.

The RMT is Britain’s largest specialist transport union and fully supports the fight by the men and women in the taxi trade in their endeavours to put an end to the unfair and ostensibly illegal practices condoned by the PCO and their cohorts. Fight back with the strength of the RMT behind you!

For more information on the RMT call Dave Vidgen 07933 797 309 or RMT Regional Organiser Brian Whitehead 07917 327 321.

 by Eddie Lambert