Have you all seen this? Didn't know SMART is shutting down.
Lucky their cabbies have some form of help from NTA...
"The life of a taxi driver is not easy. They get a tough time from
passengers, they get a tough time from the taxi companies and the
only time they hear from the LTA is probably when they get into
trouble. The National Taxi Association is one organisation that can
offer them defence and protection – and their work is seen recently
when one taxi company runs into complications and has to
shut.
Smart is now in the process of folding up its business. In the
course of doing so, some 300 drivers will be losing a means of
income. Like hawkers, taxi drivers are considered “self-employed”.
They do not enjoy the protection of a union, nor the Employment Act
and in this case, “retrenchment” means they will be on their own.
Not a single cent will be paid out. This is where the National Taxi
Association comes in – although not a union in the traditional
sense of the word, but the body does act as a negotiator and
mediator for the drivers.
Yesterday, I had the opportunity of attending a meeting between the
National Taxi Association and some members that rents taxis from
Smart. Although Smart had assured drivers that it is the company’s
priority to make sure that all existing contracts will remain the
same, many a driver is still fearful of the outcome.
What are the driver’s choices from now?
Some wish to carry on their driving careers, but this would mean
they would have to apply with another company. There is no
guarantee that they would get to do so. Will increased rentals
deprive them of incomes? People do not like uncertainty and this is
what the drivers are facing.
At the moment, it has been discussed that the NTA, from their own
pockets, will be providing $100 and NTA membership waiver for 3
months for their members who are still driving with Smart taxis.
And if they wish to explore new lines of work, they will have
access to e2i for (free?) courses to upgrade their
skills.
I would be keen to find out more about the negotiation process and
will share more when news is released."