Newark's Cabbies Unionized by Communications Workers of America

The Communications Workers of America Tuesday launched a “membership-based organization” benefiting the state’s taxi drivers, especially in Newark, which has an estimated 2,000 cabbies. 

The move was announced at city hall by officials from CWA, one of the state’s largest labor unions.  

“Newark’s taxi drivers work long, hard hours with little pay and even less protection,” said Chris Shelton, CWA District 1 Vice-President. “Right now, these hard-working men and women are forced to deal with all the negatives of being an independent contractor, yet they enjoy none of the benefits or protections. The UTANJ will change all that. The days of ripping these drivers off is over.”

For years, the city’s cabbies -- who serve thousands of commuters and travelers at Penn Station and Newark Liberty International Airport as well as residents -- have complained about difficult working conditions, including being especially vulnerable to violent crime, competition from unregulated “gypsy” operators, high rates for equipment charged by cab companies, and very long working hours, often for pay equivalent to the minimum wage.

Because of their status as independent contractors, many taxi drivers do not receive benefits other workers do, such as paid sick leave and unemployment insurance.  

“With today’s launch of the United Transportation Alliance of New Jersey, both the CWA and the City of Newark are once again leading the way with forward-thinking and fighting for fairness,” said Senator Ron Rice (NJ-28). “By organizing, these taxi drivers are going to have safer, more equitable working conditions. And the general public will reap the benefits with fares that are frankly more fair and transparent.”