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The Amazing Array of Issues that Will Not Go Away.

United Taxicab Workers was begun in 1987 by four cab drivers meeting in a Mission District cafe. Since then, we have grown to include hundreds of drivers drawn from all of San Francisco's major cab garages, and many smaller companies as well.

UTW is affiliated with Communications Workers of America (AFL-CIO). Through CWA, we offer members a number of benefits, such as a dental plan and credit union membership. But the main reason for joining is to be part of an organization devoted to the cause of drivers' rights.

UTW offers drivers advice, assistance and legal referrals when cab companies attempt to deny them workers' compensation, unemployment or other benefits they are entitled to under the law. We have represented dozens of drivers in hearings before the State Labor Commissioner, helping them to obtain the return of illegally-confiscated security deposits.

UTW has been an active advocate for drivers on issues of importance to them, such as the proliferation of limousines and other vehicles illegally operating as taxis. We play a leading role in annual Police Commission hearings on taxi service and safety. We proposed and saw passed the city's first taxi safety legislation, which instituted driver training, required protective equipment and better communications, and provided for annual hearings on the subject of taxi crime.

In 1993, we led the fight to defeat Proposition Y, a measure placed on the ballot by Mayor Jordan at the request of Yellow Cab. Prop Y, while enriching cab companies, would have adversely affected drivers' ability to earn a living.

In 1995, the Board of Supervisors put Proposition I on the ballot at our request. Prop I was designed to control exorbitant gates (lease fees), and to improve taxi service to the public. Although it lost in a deluge of cab company spending, it was the first driver-oriented taxi initiative to reach the ballot since the passage of Proposition K in 1978.

In 1996, we were instrumental in defeating Proposition J, a cab company attempt to overturn our current law, which awards taxi permits for a nominal fee to persons who are required to drive a cab. Prop J would have allowed the sale of permits for prices which most cab drivers could not afford to pay. Prop J was defeated by a 2-1 ratio despite the fact that cab companies spent close to $500,000 in its support, against $12,000 spent by opponents.

UTW keeps all drivers informed of industry issues through bulletins, flyers and our award-winning quarterly newsletter, United to Win. Standing committees meet to discuss industry issues and propose solutions to the problems drivers confront. We are frequently contacted by the media for information and opinion on taxicab issues.

As we mark our tenth year of affiliation with CWA, we look forward to the day when San Francisco cab drivers will work under fair contracts, negotiated by drivers and companies. In the meantime, we will continue to pursue the cause of drivers' rights.

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