Unifor occupies Coventry Connections

Dispute over dispatch fees continues

Taxi drivers occupied the offices of Coventry Connections in Ottawa on Nov. 13 to protest proposed pay cuts.

The drivers — represented by Unifor Local 1688 — have been locked in a labour dispute since early August, when Coventry Connections and the Ottawa International Airport Authority agreed to change the drivers’ dispatch fees from a monthly rate to a per-fare rate.

According to Unifor, this change drastically affects drivers’ pay. The union protested the change, leading the employer to effectively lock out the drivers.

“We have been forced into this action by a company and an airport authority that have refused to engage in real dialogue on this issue,” said Unifor national president Jerry Dias.

“It should never have had to come to this, but we are here until there is a deal. Until then, Coventry will not be able to dispatch taxis in the city of Ottawa.”

Unifor is calling on the employer to return to the bargaining table to negotiate a new deal. The union represents more than 2,500 drivers in the Ontario taxi industry.

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