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AFSCME TV: New Orleans Taxi Cab Drivers

3h ago
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Taxi Drivers in New Orleans are fighting back and forming a union. Last year the New Orleans City Council passed a host of arbitrary regulations that are forcing them out of business. These regulations require the installation of new expensive equipment that must be purchased from contractors favored by the city, and the prohibition of vehicles older than seven years despite the condition. These are just a few of the new policies that were established with no input from taxi cab drivers, and require an investments of tens of thousands of dollars by independent drivers. In addition, the city decided that a cab owner's permit -- known as a certificate of public necessity and convenience, or CPNC -- would now be considered a "privilege," instead of property, meaning it can be revoked or its sale or transfer blocked. Many drivers have paid tens of thousands of dollars for a CPNC and use it as security in seeking loans. Many also count on selling it when they retire and think of it as their 401 (k). Taxi cab drivers in New Orleans aren't sitting back and letting the City Council take away their rights. They are fighting back.