Call Sign August 2010 - Page 21 - COMPLIANCE OFFICER’S REPORT - RMT and the LTDA

COMPLIANCE OFFICER’S REPORT
Hello Ladies & Gents, It’s pleasing to know that the majority of recent complaints have been reasonably minor and that as a whole, we are trying our best to work within the procedures that are there for all to follow. Work in July was helped by Wimbledon and Ascot and those that weren’t particularly interested in the World Cup, would have enjoyed the unusually low volumes of traffic during certain games and hopefully the extra tourists coming into London have helped keep you busy over the school holidays. August is probably the quietest period of the year and it is even more important that we book-in correctly and make sure that no one member has any unfair advantage over their fellow subscribers. If we stick to the rules, then everyone will be equal. I have mentioned previously that due to horrendous traffic conditions in the capital, it is more than possible that you may encounter traffic problems on any journey and on any route. Many clients make the same journey on a regular basis and are used to going a particular way or perhaps	may have a preferred route. If you intend taking a route that may seem unusual to the client, it’s worth either asking them if they have a preferred route or explain the reasons why the direction is slightly different from normal. It will certainly prevent any confusion during or at the end of the trip. Parking is becoming even more of a major problem that it already has been, especially outside account locations in the City and West End. If you are unable to wait or feel that it is illegal to stop, can you please use your Parked button so that the call centre can inform your passenger appropriately. When clients are unaware of your location and finally enter the taxi with a large	amount on the meter, it becomes a source of complaint. Can I also please remind you that it is very important you press your Arrival button when you reach the actual pick-up and not before. Clients are aware of run-ins and do query increased amounts, especially when they are already physically waiting outside of their offices for the taxi to arrive. I mentioned last month that Autostone Chip Repair will have a technician on site at Roman Way each Tuesday and Friday between 8am and 5pm. They repair chipped windscreens and prevent them from cracking and also have the facility to replace the windscreen should the need arise. It is normally covered free of any charge by your insurance company and is a quick and efficient service designed with our members in mind. Apart from being unsafe, it can result in a failure at SGS, so it may well be worth a visit to our fitting bay. Enjoy the summer break and be lucky! Allan Evans DaC Compliance Officer
Call Sign has always provided a forum for its readers and whilst the Editor has never made a secret of his LTDA membership, he is always happy for DaC members to be able to put across their point of view... RMT and the LTDA		Flight simulators at the Science Museum At the Science Museum’s new Fly Zone simulator area, adults and kids can take control in 360° flight simulators or fly with the Red Arrows in a sensational 3D motion effects theatre. Legends of Flight 3D is a captivating new film showcasing some of history’s most amazing aircraft. Soar over the highest peaks, feel the gut-wrenching force of take-off and loop and roll above the ocean. From one of the first passenger airliners to make long range flying practical, to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which seeks to take its place among aviation greats, Legends of Flight 3D brings together the past and future of air travel. Taking you through over 100 years of flight, you can explore the lessons learned by trial and error – lessons that ultimately influenced the design of a radically new 21^st Century airplane, bringing us to the dawn of a new era of revolutionary aircraft. And, don’t forget to visit Fly Café to refuel before taking off again – if your stomach can take it! Fly 3D prices: Adult Ł4, Concessions / Children Ł3, Family (1+2) Ł8, Family (2+2) Ł11 Fly 360 prices: 2 people Ł10 per ride, 1 person Ł8 per ride Fly Kids prices: Ł2 per ride Combination tickets are available with the IMAX 3D Cinema and Force Field. And of course the Science Museum has other exhibitions going on throughout the building including Who Am I (free) that was previewed in the last issue of Call Sign.
May I firstly thank Call Sign Editor Alan Fisher for the balanced view he has given to different trade organisation’s debates. I left the LTDA and joined the RMT, as many years earlier whilst working on London Transport, the NUR - as it was then known – had served my family well. My Father died through illness whilst working on London Transport. Bob Crow, our rep at the time, sorted out all the financial details and entitlements while also arranging for my Mother to visit one of their convalescent homes where she made lifelong friends. I have never forgotten Bob’s help in our hour of need. The LTDA had served me well in the past and I believe that all Taxi Drivers should join an organisation to help and support each other and for the protection they offer. But when the opportunity came along to join the RMT, as a trade unionist I did not hesitate. I now hold a position on the RMT Committee. My personal thoughts on the trade arguments are below and if you would kindly publish them in Call Sign I would be grateful as I believe others are rejoicing in the division it brings. LTDA tunnel vision? In its continued attack against the RMT and especially its committee, do they not see that they are attacking fellow taxi	drivers who have exercised a freedom of choice to join a trade union? Their continued attacks are an insult to all trade unionists and I believe, also to the majority of Taxi Drivers who do not wish to be associated with these divisive tactics. Regardless of how many members each group has, the fact is the majority of Taxi Drivers do not belong to any organisation. Yet those who have joined a trade group of their choice and for a trade newspaper to then try and suppress another group of Drivers, is frankly despicable. The LTDA, London Cab Drivers Club, RMT and all other trade organisations are built, run and paid for by self employed Taxi Drivers and they are all adults. The abuse of each other by their leaders has got to stop, especially in a City whose history has been built on the foundations of freedom of choice. There are plenty of roads and buildings on the Knowledge to remind us of peoples struggle to get freedom of choice. Tom Quigley (Y33)

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