Unifor opposes Pearson airport ride service pick up

TORONTO, June 12, 2018 /CNW/ - Unifor, representing approximately 500 airport limousine drivers, stands opposed to the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) decision to allow Uber and Lyft ride service drivers to pick up passengers at Toronto's Pearson Airport.

"The licensed airport drivers currently pay more than $9,500.00 in fees for the privilege of picking up passengers and now the GTAA is going to allow anybody with a car to scoop their fares," said Unifor National President Jerry Dias. "The current system also provides set rates for passengers ? regardless of weather, time of day or traffic conditions. Will the ride services guarantee that or will passengers be subjected to fluctuating rates set at the whim of these multi-million dollar companies?"

Many of the 500 professional airport drivers, members of Unifor Local 252, are owner-operators who work long shifts to make ends meet.

"The GTAA is creating a two-tier system," said Dias. "We call for an immediate end to this ride service pilot project, which will strip the livelihood of licensed drivers who have followed the rules while providing excellent service to passengers."

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

SOURCE Unifor