Call Sign April 2006 - Page 11 - CAB TRADE ASSOCIATIONS

Call Sign has long argued that this trade would be stronger if we were all to join a trade organisation – preferably the same one. But many London taxi drivers have always given various reasons why they would not join. Call Sign recently conducted a small poll amongst Dial-a-Cab subscribers on their views of the cab trades’ professional representative bodies – Association, Club or Union. Our reporter did not specifically ask for the name of the organisation involved, although some drivers willingly offered the information during their responses…
The survey was based around three questions:

1) Do you belong to a trade body?

2) Are you happy with the service you receive?

3) If there were just ONE trade organisation, would you join?

Geoffrey Wakeling (H89)

"I do belong to a trade organisation and while I would like to see just one cab trade body, it would be unlikely to represent all the views of all the people of this trade."

Mike Donoghue (K12)

"I belong to the LTDA. However, I would like to see just one trade body with plenty of clout to represent us. This current situation with regards to parking tickets etc, nothing seems to get done. I’ve been driving 33 years and on DaC since 1998."

Greg Elmer (L47)

CAB TRADE ASSOCIATIONS - DAC DRIVER’S VIEWS

"Well now it’s funny you should mention that! No, I do not belong to any trade organisation. They all seem to have split views and be in it only for themselves with some very biased opinions along the way! If there was just one trade body I would be tempted, but at present I’d join the LCDC if anything at all. I’ve been driving a cab for four years and joined DaC two months ago."

Patrick Hennessy (P90)

"I’m with the LTDA. It’s an insurance policy isn’t it? I would be happier with just one organisation that might have more muscle, but I wouldn’t belong to the LCDC – they’re a bit too militant for me! I’ve been on DaC for 11 of my 28 years driving."

Brian Flanagan (T79)

"I’m an LCDC member. The Legal Representation is excellent, however, trying to get any changes in this trade is like urinating into a gale and being defecated upon by the authorities!

David Connor (W37)

"I am a member of a trade body and they were very helpful when I needed them. I don’t always agree with their policies though and yes, just one organisation might be better."

Colin Bailey (H68)

"I’m not a member of anything. I’ve not really thought about it, but I might consider joining something when I’ve seen what the benefits are from each body and what they’re offering. I would have to see a brochure or some literature before I decided to join. I’ve been driving for twelve years and been on DaC for two."

Dennis Heavin (A01)

"I’m not in any trade body now, but I might re-consider if there was just one organisation representing the taxi trade - but not the Union. I was a member of a trade group many years ago, but they did not help me when I needed them, so I gave up. I’ve been driving for thirty-three years - thirty-one of them with Dial-a-Cab."

Terry Kempner (P96)
"I used to be a T&G member many years ago. Went to Branch meetings, that sort of thing, and they helped me out when I had a problem. Just one body representing all the diverse opinions in the cab trade? A laudable aspiration yes, but I’m not optimistic that is achievable. I’ve been driving forty years and fifteen of them have been on Dial-a-Cab."

Ian Macdonald (C64)
"Yes, I’m a member of a trade organisation. It’s a legal insurance thing as well as other benefits, isn’t it? Thankfully, I’ve never needed them but you never know and common sense tells me I should belong, from the viewpoint of peace of mind. It’s all about common strength and unity."

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