By Alia Al Theeb, Staff Reporter, and Anjana Sankar, Senior ReporterPublished: June 30, 2008, 23:37
Dubai: More than 90 per cent of Dubai Taxi drivers have stressed that they will continue working as usual despite a small group of drivers trying to influence other to stop working.
An official from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Public Transport Agency said a small group of not more than 100 drivers were trying to influence others to stop working tomorrow.
RTA said in a statement that it is providing the best employment benefits and incentive package to taxi drivers in Dubai Taxi Agency, such as suitable accommodation, medical insurance, annual bonuses and increments to distinguished drivers.
Commenting on complaints by some drivers that the agency is recording violations against them, Eisa Al Dosari, CEO of RTA Public Transport Agency, said: "Dubai Taxi Agency has acquainted all taxi drivers with the General Quality Contravention Code before signing job contracts and all drivers signed up their commitments with the Code."
Safeguarding the rights
He said at the time of drawing up the 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.
The Dubai Taxi Agency has formed a Drivers' Council with members from drivers themselves.
The Council addresses all needs and requirements of drivers and make suggestions and ideas that can boost the agency's performance. RTA pays monthly rewards to these members.
Al Dosari said RTA is providing suitable accommodation for about 5,000 drivers against deduction of Dh400 per month from each driver, while RTA is bearing rest of the cost of accommodation, such as electricity, water, cleaning and security services bills.
"RTA recently hired a new residential complex to accommodate 2,800 drivers in addition to the accommodation unit at Dubai Taxi Agency site, which accommodates around 3,200 drivers.
"Provision of accommodation covers all Dubai Taxi drivers, including new recruits who have yet to take up positions at the Agency," he said.
Among the benefits provided by RTA to taxi drivers is the medical insurance system. Earlier, drivers used to have medical treatment in a small clinic attached to the agency.
Health insurance
They now have health insurance provided at about 25 hospitals and clinics against a monthly deduction of Dh42.
"RTA has paid the bonus to 3,669 drivers who have spent one year in the agency. The total amount paid as bonuses, which amounts to about Dh4 million, has been distributed to drivers serving on commission contracts, airport taxi drivers, and ladies taxi drivers," Al Dosari said.
He said the taxi driver who obtained 'Excellent' rating received Dh2,000, the driver with 'Very Good' rating got Dh1,500 and the driver with a 'Good' rating was paid Dh1,000.
In addition to the annual bonus, RTA rewards and honours distinguished drivers, depending on certain criteria, such as traffic violations, accident-free records, high revenues, good keeping and order of vehicle, good appearance, courtesy in dealing with passengers, achieving the maximum number of trips, and fulfilling orders of Booking and Distribution Section, said Al Dosari.
'Unfair' policies
Some drivers said they intend to protest against management's unfair policies of fining, long working hours without weekend, and ill-treatment of the staff among others.
The drivers are also demanding a minimum salary in addition to the current system of commission, and a weekly off.
One driver said drivers are frustrated because of the unreasonable fines slapped by the management for no reason.
"Every month, they are deducting Dh500 to Dh800 from our salaries without giving us any explanation. We just get a text message that simply reads, 'Dh500 deducted for quality control'. And we are left with no clue what it exactly means," said Salam.
According to other drivers fines are also slapped for no fault of theirs when the meter gets stuck and they are unable to receive messages from the call centre.
They said, drivers are also made to lose their pay when the vehicle is taken for maintenance.
Another driver said ill-treatment of drivers by managing staff is also common.
"Drivers are pulled up for using seat cushions for relief from back pain or keeping water for their personal use," he said.
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