Nov 10 ultimatum for Sharjah cabbies

Protesting taxi drivers in Sharjah have been told to submit their documents and resignations by the end of November 10 in order to avail benefits.

Drivers told Emirates 247 this morning that the ultimatum has been communicated to them by the Ministry of Labour in Sharjah.

“We have been told that those who submit their papers on or before November 10 will be able to get their benefits cleared. All drivers are rushing to the labour office in batches,” said a driver of Advantage Taxi.

According to him already 300 cabbies belonging to Union Taxi and 280 drivers of Citi taxi have submitted their forms to the Ministry of Labour in Sharjah.

“By Wednesday the numbers will further increase. We have an agreement specifying Dh300 as our basic monthly salary. According to that those who have completed more than five years can expect at least Dh15,000 or more as end of service benefits,” said a driver of Citi taxi.

“I myself have completed six years and am expecting about Dh23,000 as benefits,” he added.

Majority of drivers belonging to Emirates Taxi and Advantage taxi are reported to be working. Many are planning to resign only6 after they receive their monthly commission on November 10.

All taxi drivers are paid their commission on the tenth of every month. The protests by cabbies began on November 1 after the company decided to hike the collection target by more than 20 per cent. Drivers have complained that their earnings would drop by almost Dh1000 because of the new decision.

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