"All organizers want is our time and money. They get recognition but we get no results."

This was true in the past. But it is the City's fault that little or no results have been achieved to benefit the drivers.

If you "forget the conspiracies" you will have only half the picture.

Today's organizations, such AUPD, CCO, CPTDA, UTCC, etc. do not ask for money. They are, more or less advocacy groups dedicated to break the vicious cycle "City Rule" we have been in for over 40 years.

As far as I know all the time and money these organizations have utilized so far, if any, has come out of their own pockets and individuals sacrificed their time, energy and brains for the common good.

It is not easy to deal with one of the most professional, well-run political machines on earth.

But there will come a time raise some capital and an army of volunteers -- it is the only way these organizations can ever hope to succeed.

Will you help when they call on you?

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Replying to:

Forget the conspiracy. Cabdrivers don't organize because they don't see the benefit to it. All organizers want is our time and money. They get recognition but we get no results.

49285 you wrote 'Will you help when they call on you?'

How have you helped when any of these groups called on you?

I'll add to that. Which of these groups are you a member? Do you support all of them?

In response to:
"How have you helped when any of these groups called on you?"

What about the Ghanaians? None of the groups you mentioned have been successful. The Ghanaians have been successful for years. Are they the "etc." in your list?

In response to the following statements:
"Today's organizations, such AUPD, CCO, CPTDA, UTCC, etc."

In my opinion, the Ghanaian Cabdrivers Association is the model that all taxi driver groups should emulate.

They are humble. They don't don't get caught up in the meaningless politics. Politically, they are very savvy (which can't be emphasized enough). Most of all, they help their members.

George Lutfallah
Chicago Dispatcher

What about the Brotherhood?

How does one join or participate with these groups and what are the differences in them?

I think it's terrific that there are different groups trying to help. There's nothing wrong with a little competition. The best ideas will win.

The City has been "winning" for many years now. Does that mean they have the best ideas?

Actually, yes it does. Their ideas on how to keep us down and divided are better than our ideas on how to keep us strong and united.

When someone comes up with the right ideas on how to get power for drivers that is stronger than the city's ideas on how to keep us down, then you will see real change.

Responding to:
"The City has been "winning" for many years now. Does that mean they have the best ideas?"

Very observant, Mr. Shinto.

Perhaps the right idea can be found in developing a set laws the define rights, duties and remedies and limitations of drivers, owners, fleet operators and the City of Chicago.

A taxi driver Bill of Rights, as it were, defined by Municipal Code.

That's great thinking sir. I really like the idea of a Bill of Rights for cabdrivers. What should be in the Bill of Rights?

For Starters, something like this:

[Proposed]
Title 9, Chapter 112,
Entitled the Chicago Taxicab Driver and Owner Ordinance

9-112-600 Title, Purpose and Scope.

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Taxicab Drivers and Owners Ordinance," and shall be liberally construed and applied to promote its purposes and policies.

It is the purpose of this chapter and the policy of the city, in order to protect and promote the public health, safety and welfare of its citizens, to establish the rights and obligations of the taxi drivers, medallion holders and fleet operators in the operation taxicabs for hire, and to encourage the taxi drivers, medallion holders and fleet operators to maintain and improve the quality of transportation services.

This chapter applies to, regulates and determines rights, obligations and remedies under every taxicab lease agreement entered into or to be performed after the effective date of this chapter, for operation within the city of Chicago and to any destination requested by a passenger, the limitations contained in [MC references to follow] and set forth in applicable [rules and regulations references to follow].

This chapter applies specifically to taxi drivers, owners and fleet operators in the operation of taxicabs to the extent that this chapter is not in direct conflict with State and Federal laws or statutory or regulatory provisions governing the operation of vehicles for hire.

9-112-600 Definitions.

Whenever used in this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings:

a. "Taxicab" means a vehicle that is used as for hire by one or more persons who are licensed chauffeurs, together with the taxi mater, GPS or radio dispatch equipment and appurtenant equipment, thereto, and all affiliation services, privileges, furnishings and facilities supplied in connection with the use of operation thereof, including garage and parking facilities.

b. "Fleet Operator" means the owner, leasing agent, or the successor in interest of any of them, of a licensed vehicle for hire.

c. "Owner" means one or more persons, jointly or severally, in whom is vested all or part of the legal title the vehicle for hire, or all or part of the beneficial ownership and a right to present use and enjoyment of the vehicle for hire.

d. Affiliation” means an association of public passenger vehicle license holders organized and incorporated for the purpose of providing its members with a Chicago business address, telephone number registered to the affiliation, color scheme where applicable, a trade name or emblem where applicable, a two-way radio dispatch system, insurance and the designation of an authorized registered agent. Members of an affiliation shall be known as “affiliates”.

The ultimate goal of such an ordinance is to establish an equitable system of management and administration that is "driven" [pardon the pun!} from the bottom up, as opposed to the current "top down" rule by declaration of the city.