Sharjah taxi crisis: Ministry says no change in rule

More than a month after thousands of taxi drivers in Sharjah began protesting against a new commission structure, the Ministry of Labour on Wednesday announced its decision in favour of the companies.

The ministry told taxi drivers there would be no change in the taxi fare and commission structure and those who do not want to accept the decision can resign and leave.

More than 2,000 cabbies had gathered in front of the labour office yesterday in the hope they would receive a favourable solution.

The drivers of Union, Advantage, Citi and Emirate Taxi companies protested  against the new rule that requires them to pay 0.52fils for fuel for every kilometre travelled.

Following the ministry decision, many drivers told 'Emirates 24|7' they prefer to resign and leave. "We presume about 3,000 of us from all companies would resign. However, there would be many other whose financial condition is bad and would probably continue work," said some drivers.

Cabbies of Union Taxi were the first to protest on November 1 after the company decided to hike the collection target by more than 20 per cent. Later drivers from other companies joined in. Drivers complain their earnings would drop by almost Dh1,000 because of the new decision. Economic crisis and an increase in minimum fare of a taxi ride from Dh3 to Dh10 have already driven away many customers to more cheaper modes of  transport, say cabbies.
 

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