Queensland cab drivers strike

Wednesday, March 27, 1996 - 11:00

By Bill Mason

BRISBANE — After months of negotiations with the Bundaberg Cab Company, cab drivers struck on March 14 in protest at victimisation and discrimination faced by union members. Transport Workers Union drivers later returned to work, but threatened further action if a proper resolution of grievances were not achieved.

TWU state secretary Hughie Williams commented, "The cab industry appears to be in turmoil throughout the state. Drivers on the Gold Coast, Cairns and Brisbane have joined the TWU, and the union is now making collective demands on the various cab companies.

"Cab drivers have been treated like second rate workers for many years and they have now had a gutful of it. Cab drivers are no different to any other workers. They provide a very essential part of everyday life and they are entitled to earn a proper living for the day's work they perform."

The strike was probably the first time in Australia that cab drivers have taken collective industrial action to safeguard their living, Williams said.

From GLW issue 225