Pearson Airport limo drivers to hold rally Friday

TORONTO, May 28, 2015 /CNW/ - Limousine drivers at Pearson Airport will hold their second rally this week on Friday to highlight the inconvenience to travellers and unfairness to drivers of a GTAA decision to move limos away from the main arrival doors

"This change has made it more difficult for travellers to get a car, and cut deeply into the income of the drivers," said Unifor National Representative Barry Lines.

On May 5, the Greater Toronto Airports Authority removed the drivers' access to the curb outside the main Arrivals door at Pearson, designation the space for pre-arranged pickups only. For those without a pre-arranged ride, GTAA Commissioners find a ride – often calling on Uber.

The rally takes place this Friday, May 29, at 1:30pm.

Losing access to the curb has cost limo drivers, who must continue to pay the GTAA $7,400 a year to work from the airport (plus other fees), two to three rides a day and hundreds of dollars in lost revenue. The Uber drivers do not pay that fee.

While the rally is being organized by Unifor, the rally will include drivers who are not part of the union. Unifor Local 252 represents about 500 airport limousine drivers.

"We are all in this together, and all drivers are standing together for fairness and improved service for our customers," Lines said.

• What: Rally at Pearson Airport
• Where: Pearson Airport, Terminal 3 Arrivals, Door A
• When: Friday, May 29, 1:30pm
• Who: Unifor Local 252 limousine drivers, and non-union drivers.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing more than 305,000 workers. It was formed Labour Day weekend 2013 when the Canadian Auto Workers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers union merged.

SOURCE Unifor

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