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South Asian Network
18173 S. Pioneer Blvd
Suite I, 2nd Floor
Artesia, CA 90701
Tel: 562.403.0488
Fax: 562.403.0487
Email:
saninfo@southasiannetwork.org
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2006 UPDATE
•
Improvements at the Holding Lot (LATWA is currently negotiating with LAWA under
Councilmember Janice Hahn’s office regarding ATS contract )
Due
process – End Kangaroo Court
Clean Bathrooms
Benches in Shaded areas
Water Fountain away from restroom
Stopped Police Harassment
•
Dress Code Campaign
Relaxation of
Neck tie in summer Months
Demanding permanent removal of neck tie
Demanded reasonable and comfortable clothing
•
Meter Increase Campaign
Demanded and
Won $15 Airport Minimum Fare – Short trip
Demanded $2.65 Flag Drop, not including 20 cent for bandit cab enforcement
Demanded $2.50 per mile ---- $2.45 per mile approved
Demanded Lease Caps – to break monopolies
•
Launched “Open The Books” Campaign
•
Direct action against harassment and Unjustified Practices by Taxicab company
management
2005
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- First Gathering in November 2004:
A small group of taxi workers and representatives from South Asian
Network, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, and Asian Pacific
American Legal Center came together to launch an effort to improve
conditions in Los Angeles’ taxi industry.
- Moved Beyond Split in LATDA:
Overcame the challenges presented by the split in the Los Angeles
Taxi Drivers Association (LATDA). Publicly addressed the LATDA
split and moved beyond it to focus on achieving real economic
justice and respect for taxi workers.
- Formation of LATWA: In July
2005, we formed the Los Angeles Taxi Workers Alliance, dedicated to
fighting for the dignity, rights, and respect of taxi workers. Our
organizing committee, composed of committed taxi workers and
organizers, is diverse with people from South Asia, the Middle East,
Africa, and East Asia.
- Deep Level of Trust and Respect:
Most importantly, we have created a safe space where there is a
deep level of mutual trust and respect.
WORKER OUTREACH/ORGANIZING
- Conducted Six Outreach Events:
LATWA conducted six (6) outreach events in 2005 to raise awareness
and mobilize taxi workers to organize for real change in the
industry. These included taxi worker town halls in South Bay and
Los Angeles, and events targeting the Ethiopian and South Asian
communities.
- Developed and Distributed “Know Your
Rights” and Outreach Materials to Thousands of Taxi Workers:
LATWA developed and distributed written materials on relevant
topics to thousands of taxi workers. These outreach materials
included flyers on: workers compensation; structure of Los Angeles’
taxi industry; LATWA’s efforts to increase the meter rate; South Bay
Yellow Cab shareholder rights; results from LATWA’s preliminary
survey of taxi workers; LATWA’s efforts to reform the dress code
requirement; LATWA’s petition for a bulletin board at LAX; and data
on lobbying fees and LADOT-related fines and assessments.
- Publicly Challenged Taxi Industry
Management and City Officials: LATWA publicly challenged
the systemic violations and inequalities in the taxi industry that
force taxi workers to live in poverty. All the taxi companies and
their management now are aware of LATWA – we have made our presence
known to management and the elected officials who oversee the
industry.
ADVOCACY/ORGANIZING
- Launched Meter Rate Campaign and
Testified before Los Angeles City Council: For the first
time, City Councilmembers heard directly from taxi workers about the
abuses and sweatshop conditions in the taxi industry. LATWA members
testified about the need for a meter rate increase larger than 20
cents that allows taxi workers to make a decent living. City
Councilmembers stated on the record that they will revisit the issue
in the future.
- Embarked on Dress Code Campaign:
LATWA launched a campaign to reform the dress code that is
unnecessarily oppressive and a hazard to workers’ health and
safety. Many petitions have been gathered in support of the
campaign.
- Launched Petition for Bulletin Board at
LAX: LATWA has circulated a petition for a LATWA bulletin
board at the LAX holding lot.
COLLABORATIONS
- Support of Allies: LATWA has
informed community activists and organizations throughout the State
of California about our efforts to improve the work conditions and
lives of taxi workers. Numerous individuals and organizations have
expressed their commitment to support LATWA’s efforts.
RESEARCH
- Conducted Preliminary Surveys of Taxi
Workers: LATWA conducted preliminary surveys of taxi
workers’ economic and health conditions. Some of these results were
publicly discussed at a taxi worker town hall and in flyers that
were distributed to thousands of workers.
- Researched Taxi Industry and Relevant
Laws: LATWA conducted legal and factual research regarding
the taxi industry. Utilizing Public Records Act requests, legal
research, interviews with workers, internet research, and factual
research, LATWA learned a great deal about the taxi industry’s
structure, policies, and practices.
- UCLA Study on Los Angeles’ Taxi
Industry: UCLA Professors Gary Blasi and Jackie Leavitt are
conducting an independent study of Los Angeles’ taxi industry that
will investigate and document taxi workers’ experiences and work
conditions.
MEDIA
-
Publicized Issues Affecting Taxi Workers:
LATWA
efforts were covered in the media, specifically KPFK (90.7 FM), La
Opinion, and the Urdu Times.
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