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RMT helpline 0800 3763706 :: july/august 2009 :: RMTnews 4 B lack cab driver members are fighting plans by British Airports Authority which would open the door to direct booking of minicabs at Heathrow in a move that has been described as “disastrous” for the licensed taxi trade. BAA is looking at trialing a deal with Addison Lee and One Transport at terminals 3 and 5 this year which would allow them to operate from reserved bays and from a central booking booth in the car park in direct challenge to the traditional black cab rank. RMT general secretary Bob Crow addressed black cab drivers at the Heathrow protest. He told drivers that the plan to deregulate the traditional taxi rank system at Heathrow was a “kick in the teeth” for those thousands of men and women who have spent years doing the knowledge and who now find that they are being squeezed out by the minicabs. “If this system, which makes a mockery of the pre-booked status of minicabs, is introduced at Heathrow there is little doubt that it will be rolled out at other airports and possibly rail terminals and the consequences would be disastrous for the licensed cab trade. “RMT will give full backing to black cab drivers fighting these plans and our fast- growing taxi branch will play a leading role in co-ordinating action. “Cabbies have proved in recent months that they are prepared to take militant action to defend their trade and their livelihoods,” he told the crowd to applause. Cabbie members picketed the headquarters of Radio Taxi Group for setting up shop in direct competition with black cabs. RMT taxi driver John Paul- Pace said that drivers were angry and were voting with their feet and joining RMT at an unprecedented rate. “These companies will march into City airport, Canary Wharf and then the train stations. “They will offer train operating companies money unless they are stopped otherwise the people of London will see black cabs disappear,” he said. Hundreds of cabs also blockaded central London in February in protest at moves to allow minicabs to operate from a rank in Leicester Square. *Members can view a film of the dispute on RMTV or searching ‘RMT taxi drivers’ on YouTube or at http://www.tinyurl.com/rmt-taxis RMT BLACK CAB DRIVERS FIGHT HEATHROW MINICAB PLANS