- After signing up with the UTG and other invited guests (RMT excluded) to offer Boris an age limit on Taxis, the LCDC now are posting on their blog that the end is nigh for 10 year old cabs, because the evidence was there in the first place. They just never looked...
- After the UTG agreeing to identity stickers to distinguish Yellow Badges from Green badges, Unite the union are now stating that they are in danger of going after the wrong enemy...
- The UTG agreed that the stop and search of black cabs is necessary to weed out yellow badge cabbies and PHV's with stolen TfL blue badges. But we have found, with the aid of a FOI search (Click Here for article), that in six years there has been no bogus blue badge holders arrested...
- The UTG say nothing against the PCO/T&PH enforcement officers, who "stop & search" black cabs, then refuse to enforce section 40 of the abstract of Law and remove un-authorise vehicles from a licensed Taxi rank just yards from where they are operating.
- After agreeing to a consultation on Taxis and Private Hire, Unite are stating publicly on their blog that the whole thing is based on a flawed report from 2006-7...
- The largest body in the UTG, the LTDA, have remained virtually in a coma since its inception, with the new motto of "We've Already Tried That"...
So why is it they've joined together? What is it that these three bodies are in agreement with?
Other than their fear of the emergence of the RMT London Taxi Branch.
We are now beginning to see a fight back from another direction, from within the membership who pay their hard earned money in subscriptions to the UTG. These disgruntled drivers have formed a breakaway group.
On the back of a very successful democratic forum, we now see the emergence of the United Cabbies Group.
So its perfectly clear.
Ordinary drivers are picking up the baton in this fight for survival and are looking round for strong, united leadership.
LTDA, LCDC and Unite, your members are sitting down together and talking together with one voice, they've had enough of the bullshit and lies constantly dished out in the trade press.
If ordinary members can push trade politics to one side for the good of the trade, why cant you, the leaders?
The writing is on the wall for the BOM's and committee members of the UTG.
Listen to your members or get in your cabs and go back to work...
Spoke to Grant Davis last night in Guido's..... He said his membership have made themselves loud and clear and he is dedicated to doing everything he can to securing a future for both his members and cab trade.I asked him about TfL and he said to watch out for The Badge, out shortly!
ReplyDeleteWish there was some organizing here in New York..but no chance of that. Good luck !!
ReplyDeleteGrant Davis is yesterday news in the LCDC!
ReplyDeleteThe only future he wants to secure is his, Whether that be as stand down king of the LCDC, TfL Board, The Sun's Cabbie or on East Enders. Rumour has it some members will run against him at the AGM.
I see Mr Rose is talking like a trade unionist in CTN, pity he does not want to join with others to DO something. Still better late than never Peter see you at the demos?
The LTDA do not rate a comment but who is the scruffy herbert who parks his cab on the set down (illegal) at Waterloo Station to hand out Taxi? Rumour has it its Bob O's brother in law on wages.
Flightlink is the only word we need to know when considering the LTDA and its principles.
The UTG is a sham and now the cracks are starting to show.
Can anyone of them explain:
1. Why they agreed an age limit at all.
2. Why UNITE and LTDA do not oppose Pedicab Registration by WCC.
3. Why the LCDC 'Leadership' claim only they oppose satellte offices when they know RMT has for months and months. Why do they seem to be talking to Addison Lee to fill The Badge with articles slagging off their fellow drivers. Let alone the paranoia about Yellow Badges and DaC.
3. Rest Ranks where are they? Remember the Law Courts Photo with the 'usual suspects' featurinfg as a bonus the 'cab drivers friends' of John (it's not about the Money) Mason & Martin (you lot can piss in a bottle)Low!!!
4. City of London (Abacus etc.) Remember the Guildhall Photo? That UTG letter accompanied by the 'usual suspects' again sure frightened the City Corporation into doing exactly NOTHING!!!
Keep printing lies, Keep promising much and delivering little. Empty Vessels make the most noise!!!
It seems however the trade has woken up.
As the man said 'You cannot fool all of the people all of the time'....
Well Said, Spartacus.
ReplyDeleteSome of these people have been a parasite on the hard working cab driver for years!
It is a sensible approach for the UCG to invite the main trade groups to join (or support) this hopefully united trade demo on November 17th.
ReplyDeleteIf these groups fail to respond then it could really put the trade groups in a poor light when the aims of the demo are of such importance. How many rapes, sexual assaults and muggings does it take before collective decisive action is taken?
It will make many think ‘What possible use are the trade groups if they are not prepared to defend the trade in the face of such serious offences?’ Is it just complacency? Or have their original objectives been corrupted by money, in some cases. Do they prefer to have a cosy relationship with those around the table rather than protect their members?
Those, as recent disclosures have made clear; have seemingly had a long term agenda by setting up minicab satellite offices that were hardly conducive to the best interests of the licensed taxi trade. It is arguable that it was, and still is, undermining the taxi trade, even whilst our so-called trade leaders sit round the table with them. Many will come to the conclusion that this can hardly be described as good representation.
This will certainly force Grant Davis and the LCDC Committee to think a bit more deeply than they seem to of late – and the direction they believe their organisation really ought to go, as it seems to have lost its longstanding militant role in the trade under Mr Davis's leadership.
He must decide to support the trade or to continue to align himself with Bob Oddy and his minicab supporting organisation via ComCab and City Fleets (minicabs).
If none of these groups choose to support the demo then they are going to have a hard time explaining to their members and the rest of the trade why not.
This forthcoming demo could be a fundamental turning point in trade affairs so it will be interesting to see what develops.
It also makes it even more important for the UCG to establish itself as a bona-fide trade representative group and perhaps by doing so its current very moderate number of members could soon be 2,000 strong.
They would have to be listened to if that came to pass. They too have got some big decisions to take and if they do not become an incorporated group then it may be quite likely that their future success will be uncertain and all their spirited efforts may probably amount to nothing.
TfL, the Met Police and other Agencies won’t recognise them; the other trade groups may decide (for political reasons) not to recognise them either. Challenging authority will present some obvious challenges – but without a proper base to work from success may never be achievable.
Trade unity is a very noble aim but if the other trade groups do not join in this call for a worthwhile and justified demo then it is clear that NO unity currently exists, nor is ever likely to, given their current leadership.
The forming of the UTG was an attempt at trade unity but it seems the unity is based on doing NOTHING and any unity shown may only be with TfL and not the licensed taxi trade.
If the UCG develop in their own right then they can become the NEW force in the trade and take over the real task of leading the trade into the 21st century and away from the vested interests of some of the other groups, some of whom have clearly failed.
The UCG has got an opportunity to do some really good work for the trade but it will have to focus on how it wants to develop and broaden its appeal from just wanting UNITY. Seeking trade unity is a long term ambition - but there are more important issues to challenge right now which just cannot wait.
Don't wait for the LTDA-dominated/controlled UTG to act - you might not live long enough.
Perhaps it is time to shift your support to the UCG and MAKE things happen. The other groups do not appear to be listening. If other groups aren't seeking real unity then they must be side-stepped, marginalised and allow someone else to take up the reins in defence of our trade.
I'm a bit confused are you saying that RMT members are not happy with the direction Mr Kennedy is taking them as the UCG main peolple are all RMT members. So they have started the UCG up to get there voices heard as they are finding the RMT a non starter.
ReplyDeleteNo matter,what names you may go under,It seems the only ones TFL and BORIS will listen to,is the three big ones,[although god only knows how UNITE get in there].So lets take a look at thier leaders,
ReplyDeleteLTDA....BOB ODDY,and old man,who is more concerned about,getting an MBE,than he is about fighting for his members,
LCDC......GRANT DAVIS,more concerned about getting his face on telly,than fighting for his members,
UNITE......???.. Now i think thats PETER ROSE..Maybe he would fight for his members,but the only members he has are all marshalls at the Airport,So all they care about is missing the feeder park.So in reality the only feedback he can get is from the other two
Now lets move on,
RMT.....BOB CROW...Probaly the best known of all,but unfortunately a hate figure,for the public,and in all fairness since the RMT began apart from a couple of appearences at the start he has said nothing,
UCG......???????..Now heres an organisation,that seems to want the best for the trade, But please or offend,i cant really see how they hope to achieve this,they are a faceless,nameless,orginisation,That suddenly appear and ask you to join thier demos,I agree so far thier demos are for all the right reasons,But we as a trade are a funny group of people,For every,1,that is willing to stand up and fight,theres 500,that will sit back and do nothing,
How many times have you heard well i joined them years ago,and at least you have the legal cover,
Thats why in my honest opinion the PHV, Will get everything they want,they are new and STICK TOGETHER.
Anonymous 2, you have your finger on the pulse, you should be a leader, if not you should make yourself known and advise the UCG,if of course they accept.
ReplyDeleteWe have less than 2 weeks to go before the demo at Oxford Circus Wednesday 17th November at 3pm,which side of the fence are the big 3 going to go.
Make your mind up time chaps, ask your members,....Tick,Tock,Tick,Tock,Tick,Tock,...........
The trouble is that Boris & TfL does not listen to the UTG, Whatever it is they say to them as we do not get the minutes!
ReplyDeleteTfL recognise that its a talking shop and the UTG dare not endanger their seat at the table by saying anything that means John Mason wont ask them to come back.
The UTG trumpet it gives them power, in fact all it shows is how impotent they are, one only has to look on the streets!
As for the RMT, forget Bob Crow's involvement in day to day cab issues (have you ever heard Simpson or Woodley of UNITE ever even mention the cab trade?) It's John Kennedy and Stan Marut who represent the cab trade branch and from what I know they are getting on with quite a lot.
The UCG is worthy BUT it drivers still need the protection of an organisation with the infrastructure to support them in case of trouble.
The LTDA is tarnished by Flightlink and years of inaction. Some of the BoM have not driven a cab for 30 years!
LCDC too small and it now seems a PR vehicle for 'resting' actors, Add. Lee. & John Mason!
So it leaves you with UNITE or RMT. You can decide who is most likely to 'fight your corner?
Anon no 3
ReplyDeleteSo all the top people in the UCG are RMT, AreThey? Please name them.
The Unions/Associations represents us, not the other way round. The UCG is an umbrella group that shelters all.
Dozy Dickie
ReplyDeleteThe UCG at this moment in time do not offer legal protection for drivers, but then again they do not take subs from members, membership is free!
If you need legal protection, this is available through the other trade orgs or through Alan Fleming, the UCG are a group of drivers fed up with the inaction from the current trade orgs, they are not motivated by money or fame but by their collective desire to save their jobs.
To say the UCG is made up of RMT members only is rubbish, attend the next meeting and see for yourself
As usual Anon. no. 3 knows as much as nothing!
ReplyDelete