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Glasgow Cabbies scoop top trade union award
Taxi drivers across Glasgow have been recognised for their campaigning as the Unite the Union Glasgow Taxi (Hackney) Branch claimed the STUC Union Representative Award for Organising.
The STUC – Scotland’s largest trade union body – commend the Glasgow cab drivers for their efforts in quadrupling their membership to over 500 members. This was in addition to leading the charge to secure COVID support payments for their members during the pandemic.
The branch developed and rolled out a highly successful programme to deliver SVQ Professional Taxi Awards to drivers across the city, as well as promoting the wider learning agenda of Unite.
Further wins included scrapping the 5-year replacement rule for taxis in Glasgow and the cap on the number of private hire licenses awarded in the city, protecting the employment of their members and promoting high standards within the industry.
The award was presented by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at the STUC annual
congress in Aberdeen, returning for the first time in person since the start of
the pandemic.
Commenting, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said, “Our annual Union Rep Awards celebrate the stalwarts of our movement and all
those who have gone above and beyond in their workplaces this past year.
“This year was no exception and the Unite the Union Glasgow Taxi (Hackney)
Branch has been outstanding in its efforts to recruit and build trade union
density within their sector.
“From helping to secure COVID support payments for hard-pressed cabbies to
organising food deliveries for those most in need during the height of the
pandemic, the branch is an absolute credit to both their union and to our wider
movement. They thoroughly deserve the award for organising and will no doubt be at the
forefront in fighting for fairness and equity of their members throughout
Glasgow for years to come."
Commenting, Unite Glasgow (Hackney) Taxi Branch secretary Steven Grant, said “We’re immensely proud of our lay members and organisers for all their efforts
in supporting Glasgow taxi drivers throughout the past year.
Building union membership, especially during a time of global crisis, is never
easy. Quadrupling our branch density to over 500 shows how critical our members
believe the union is in protecting and defending their rights at work. We will continue to grow throughout the city and throughout the country,
giving a voice to taxi drivers throughout Scotland seeking support and dignity
in their work."
Wendy Burton, Director, Scottish Union Learning, added "The Unite Glasgow (Hackney) Taxi Branch have demonstrated the importance of effective union-led learning strategies to ensure workers have accessible upskilling opportunities. The work of the branch is inspirational."
The STUC Organising Award short film tells the story of the work undertaken by the award receiving Unite Glasgow (Hackney) Taxi Branch, it can be viewed here:
Further STUC films can be viewed on the STUC YouTube channel at -
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