USW Union Leaders Support Proposal for Civilian Commission
BOSTON, Aug. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Representatives of the United Steelworkers/Boston Taxi Drivers Association (USW/BTDA) are appearing today at 3:00 pm, (EDT) before the Boston City Council's Committee on Public Safety hearing at Boston City Hall to testify with others in support of a civilian commission empowered to create and modify regulations for area cabs.
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"Hackney reform is needed more now than ever," said a leader of the BTDA. "Boston's taxi business and the regulations that shape it have neglected the needs of the drivers. A greater Boston taxi service that works well for drivers will be good for passenger users and city commerce."
Donna Blythe-Shaw, a USW staff representative for the BTDA, comments that the city public hearing will provide opportunity to ensure city cab services can retain qualified and safe drivers who need a more responsive regulatory system to benefit residents, as well as the tourist and business traveling public.
She said, "The USW/BTDA endorses the city ordinance offered by Councilor Maureen Feeney, and asks that the full city council unanimously support and vote in favor of a civilian commission." The USW staff representative adds that a civilian commission would give a voice to the drivers, owners and the public served by city cabs toward a more just, efficient and transparent system.
WHEN: |
Thurs., Aug. 11 at 3:00 pm, EDT |
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WHAT: |
Boston City Council's Public Safety Committee hearing on the empowerment of a civilian commission to regulate the taxicab industry. [Docket 1075] |
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WHERE: |
Boston City Hall; Iannellia Chambers, 5th Floor. |
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The council proposal was cited in an Aug. 1 order for the hearing that examines the city's Hackney Carriage Unit, currently administered by the Boston Police Dept., that's responsible for regulating all taxis, sight-seeing commercial vehicles, horse and carriages, plus pedi-cabs.
The USW/BTDA represents about 1,000 taxi cab drivers, or about two-thirds of Boston area drivers.
News correspondents and others can view the proceedings live on Boston Comcast 51, or with streaming video webcast at: www.cityofboston.gov/citycouncil/live.asp/.
USW/BTDA--147 W. Fourth Street, South Boston, MA 02127; 617-268-1171
Contact: Donna Blythe-Shaw, USW/BTDA; 617-640-4299 (cell); [email protected]
SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)
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