D.C. Taxi Drivers Achieve Major Victory: Passenger-Console Deadline Extended

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International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Dec 19, 2013, 04:48 ET

Teamsters Union-Affiliated Drivers' Association Gains Strength

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Due to the strength and unity of the Washington, D.C. Taxi Operators Association, affiliated with Teamsters Local 922, the Washington, D.C. government has extended the passenger-console deadline from Dec. 1, 2013 to Jan. 15, 2014.

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The association has a commitment that if the stock of passenger consoles is not fully available by Jan. 15, another extension will be implemented. Drivers must get proof of an appointment to get a console installed to avoid any potential tickets.

"This is great news for our drivers and we will continue to monitor the situation to get the deadline extended further if the supply of consoles is not fully available," said Ferline Buie, President of Teamsters Local 922. "We will continue to fight to protect the drivers' interests."

On Oct. 29, more than 1,000 drivers met to form their association. Since that time, the association has stood with drivers who are seeking more input into the rules and regulations imposed by the city. There have been several rallies, and association members have packed D.C. Taxicab Commission meetings with dozens testifying.

"We are united and strong and proud to be members of the association," said Addis Gebreselassi. "We are determined to fight for a stronger voice so that we have more say in the rules and regulations that are imposed upon us. We are already seeing positive results."

The association also secured an agreement that drivers with proof of a dome light installation appointment will not be subject to citation or impoundment while traveling to their appointment. This dome light agreement is valid until Dec. 31. These recent developments came about as a direct result of drivers coming together to form the Washington D.C. Taxi Operators Association and then affiliating with Local 922. Working together, a lawsuit was filed on behalf of the members. This has forced the city to negotiate this extension to give drivers additional time to comply. The lawsuit still will be heard in the D.C. Superior Court.

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters