Dubai taxi drivers ended a one-day strike early today after local authorities assured them that a meeting will be held to discuss their grievances.
The protest - largely over the level of fines imposed for various 'offences' - saw strike action begin this morning, but end earlier than expected after the promise of an official meeting on Monday, according to The National newspaper.
A small group of taxi drivers yesterday announced plans to strike for 24 hours starting at 5am on Wednesday. The action was in protest against the imposition of 'unreasonable' fines due to faulty global positioning systems, late pick ups or perceived violations of their code of conduct.
Union membership and strike action is illegal in the UAE.
Mayada Ali Saeed, Senior Media Relations officer for the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) - which regulates the emirate's taxi services - told Emirates Business that the agency cannot comment on the protest action. “This is a major concern that the higher officials are looking into and we cannot provide further information at the moment,” she said.
The spokesperson also refused to comment on whether the agency has any contingency plan in place to counter the possible effects of strike action by taxi drivers. “RTA officials are in close coordination with the taxi drivers and we are constantly monitoring the situation,” she added.
A statement posted on the RTA’s website quoted its CEO Engineer Eissa Al Dosari as saying that employee rights are safeguarded by a Dubai Taxi Agency code of conduct.
“At the time of drawing up this code, every consideration was taken to safeguard the rights of drivers and passengers. The driver is entitled to submit a grievance against the offence reported against him, and the Investigation and Control Unit will respond within five days,” Al Dosari said.
The statement added that the Dubai Taxi Agency has formed a Drivers' Council, with members from the drivers’ group themselves, that will meet to address concerns.