LOS ANGELES TAXI WORKERS ALLIANCE

2006 UPDATE

•  Improvements at the Holding Lot (LATWA is currently negotiating with LAWA under Councilmember Janice Hahn’s office regarding ATS contract )

Due process – End Kangaroo Court
Clean Bathrooms
Benches in Shaded areas
Water Fountain away from restroom
Stopped Police Harassment

•  Dress Code Campaign

Relaxation of Neck tie in summer Months
Demanding permanent removal of neck tie
Demanded reasonable and comfortable clothing

•  Meter Increase Campaign

Demanded and Won $15 Airport Minimum Fare – Short trip
Demanded $2.65 Flag Drop, not including 20 cent for bandit cab enforcement
Demanded $2.50 per mile ---- $2.45 per mile approved
Demanded Lease Caps – to break monopolies

•  Launched “Open The Books” Campaign

•  Direct action against harassment and Unjustified Practices by Taxicab company management

2005 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• First Gathering in November 2004:  A small group of taxi workers and representatives from South Asian Network, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, and Asian Pacific American Legal Center came together to launch an effort to improve conditions in Los Angeles’ taxi industry.
• Moved Beyond Split in LATDA:  Overcame the challenges presented by the split in the Los Angeles Taxi Drivers Association (LATDA). Publicly addressed the LATDA split and moved beyond it to focus on achieving real economic justice and respect for taxi workers.
• Formation of LATWA:  In July 2005, we formed the Los Angeles Taxi Workers Alliance, dedicated to fighting for the dignity, rights, and respect of taxi workers.  Our organizing committee, composed of committed taxi workers and organizers, is diverse with people from South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and East Asia.
• Deep Level of Trust and Respect:  Most importantly, we have created a safe space where there is a deep level of mutual trust and respect.

WORKER OUTREACH/ORGANIZING

• Conducted Six Outreach Events:  LATWA conducted six (6) outreach events in 2005 to raise awareness and mobilize taxi workers to organize for real change in the industry.  These included taxi worker town halls in South Bay and Los Angeles, and events targeting the Ethiopian and South Asian communities.
• Developed and Distributed “Know Your Rights” and Outreach Materials to Thousands of Taxi Workers:  LATWA developed and distributed written materials on relevant topics to thousands of taxi workers.  These outreach materials included flyers on: workers compensation; structure of Los Angeles’ taxi industry; LATWA’s efforts to increase the meter rate; South Bay Yellow Cab shareholder rights; results from LATWA’s preliminary survey of taxi workers; LATWA’s efforts to reform the dress code requirement; LATWA’s petition for a bulletin board at LAX; and data on lobbying fees and LADOT-related fines and assessments.
• Publicly Challenged Taxi Industry Management and City Officials:  LATWA publicly challenged the systemic violations and inequalities in the taxi industry that force taxi workers to live in poverty.  All the taxi companies and their management now are aware of LATWA – we have made our presence known to management and the elected officials who oversee the industry.

ADVOCACY/ORGANIZING

• Launched Meter Rate Campaign and Testified before Los Angeles City Council: For the first time, City Councilmembers heard directly from taxi workers about the abuses and sweatshop conditions in the taxi industry.  LATWA members testified about the need for a meter rate increase larger than 20 cents that allows taxi workers to make a decent living.  City Councilmembers stated on the record that they will revisit the issue in the future.
• Embarked on Dress Code Campaign:  LATWA launched a campaign to reform the dress code that is unnecessarily oppressive and a hazard to workers’ health and safety.  Many petitions have been gathered in support of the campaign.
• Launched Petition for Bulletin Board at LAX:  LATWA has circulated a petition for a LATWA bulletin board at the LAX holding lot.

COLLABORATIONS

• Support of Allies:  LATWA has informed community activists and organizations throughout the State of California about our efforts to improve the work conditions and lives of taxi workers.  Numerous individuals and organizations have expressed their commitment to support LATWA’s efforts.

RESEARCH

• Conducted Preliminary Surveys of Taxi Workers:  LATWA conducted preliminary surveys of taxi workers’ economic and health conditions.  Some of these results were publicly discussed at a taxi worker town hall and in flyers that were distributed to thousands of workers.
• Researched Taxi Industry and Relevant Laws:  LATWA conducted legal and factual research regarding the taxi industry.  Utilizing Public Records Act requests, legal research, interviews with workers, internet research, and factual research, LATWA learned a great deal about the taxi industry’s structure, policies, and practices.
• UCLA Study on Los Angeles’ Taxi Industry:  UCLA Professors Gary Blasi and Jackie Leavitt are conducting an independent study of Los Angeles’ taxi industry that will investigate and document taxi workers’ experiences and work conditions.

MEDIA

• Publicized Issues Affecting Taxi Workers:  LATWA efforts were covered in the media, specifically KPFK (90.7 FM), La Opinion, and the Urdu Times.