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WHAT: News Conference to launch Independent Workers Association (iWorkers) Taxi Section
WHO: Taxi drivers from Southern Ontario
WHERE: Days Hotel, 1677 Wilson Avenue, Toronto
WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008

TORONTO -The Independent Workers Association (iWorkers) is launching a ‘Taxi Section’ on Tuesday, December 9 at 6 p.m. at the Days Hotel, 1677 Wilson Ave. Toronto.

iWorkers is working with Taxi Association Leaders in Hamilton, Toronto, York Region and Peel-Halton on the need for a coordinated approach to deal with cab drivers’ issues across the province.
Cab drivers face spiralling insurance costs, increased personal attacks, high lease rates and long hours of work. iWorkers’ goal is to address these issues through lobbying for changes to provincial and municipal laws.

As well, organized representation will be able to provide services and benefits that are affordable and lighten the load of individual cab drivers. From lower gas costs to affordable dental care and paralegal services for traffic and by-law infractions, iWorkers will help drivers deal with the high overhead costs.
iWorkers has been formed as a vehicle to defend the interests of marginalized workers, who do not have traditional bargaining relationships with employers, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.

The USW represents about 280,000 men and women working in every sector of Canada’s economy.

A similar model of representation for taxi drivers has been in effect by the USW in Quebec for several years.

CONTACT: Peter Leibovitch 1.866.621.9655; 416.243.8792