SUPPORT THE AIRPORT TAXI DRIVERS ON HUNGER STRIKE

RALLY 7.30AM TUESDAY, LEONARD ISSITT DRIVE, AUCKLAND AIRPORT

Following a failure to reach a resolution between the Auckland Airport and the Auckland Taxi Association, the 180 members of the ATA have chosen to go on hunger strike today outside Auckland Airport’s headquarters.

On Wednesday last week 50 drivers working for President Taxis were notified that President Taxis would no longer have a contract with Auckland Airport as of 11.59 pm on Monday 9 December 2013.

The drivers submitted a list of five demands on 13 November, which are yet to be complied with. So far, the Auckland Airport has agreed to provide only very basic facilities like drinking water, toilets & shades, which has been requested and missing for over 10 years. Taxi companies have also failed to demand these basic needs from Airport management.

“Main rank drivers are surviving on as little as $4 an hour”, said Manmohan Singh, the Association’s spokesperson. “Main rank drivers have been told not to charge more than $20 for inter-terminal transfers, while other big brand companies like Green Cabs have been given permission to charge $35. Demands from ATA such as a ‘restoration’ of these short distance fares have been denied.”

Ends.

For further comment: Manmohan Singh, spokesperson, Auckland Taxi Association, on (021) 655 519, Email: atai.nz