TWU:TAXI TRAINING AT AIRPORTS

Date: 16 October 2007

The TWU is calling on Sydney Airport Corporation Limited (SACL) to consider changes to procedures for taxis dropping off and picking up passengers, following an incident at the International terminal this morning.

Between 50-100 taxi drivers stopped work in a show of solidarity after one of their fellow drivers was moved on by the Australian Federal Police.

Taxi Industry Official Darcy Waller said today, "Taxi drivers have to fight a myriad of regulations and red tape to get in and out of Sydney Airport, with little practical training.

"Both drivers and their passengers have been given the short straw for some time now at the airport - not only do they get slogged with a $2.50 fee, they also spend a long time waiting for fares.

"It's impossible to expect drivers to understand the system at the airport without proper, on-the-ground training which educates and instructs drivers about how to get around Australia's busiest airport," said Mr Waller.

The TWU is investigating the circumstances of this morning's incident.

Taxi Industry Official Darcy Waller is available for comment.

For further information

Contact:	Zoe Arnold
Union:	Transport Workers' Union
Phone:	0408 463 199
Email:	info@nsw.twu.com.au
WWW:	http://www.nswtwu.org

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