the goan I network
VASCO
According to union members, about 350 taxis operate from the airport and transport passengers to various destinations in the State.
During a meeting on May 25, the union had resolved that all taxi drivers should wear white uniform, instead of the traditional khaki uniform, from June 1.
Trouble began when about 100 taxi drivers with khaki uniform reported to the airport for business on Thursday. The union leaders prevented these drivers from transporting passengers, on grounds that they had not worn the white uniform, as agreed by them on May 25.
This lead to tension at the airport and passengers found it difficult to engage taxi services to reach their destinations.
According to union leader, Sainath Salgaokar, the union had noticed that many drivers had an inappropriate hair style and clothes, which affected the business and reputation of the taximen.
“Most of the passengers did not like this casual and unprofessional hairstyle and attire. In order to streamline the business and safeguard our reputation, it was decided at the meeting that all taxi drivers attached to the United Taximan’s Union at the airport should wear white uniform in place of khaki and should have a neat haircut,” said Salgaokar.
“This message was conveyed to all the drivers and they were urged to implement these changes with effect from Thursday. But to our surprise, we noticed that about 100 drivers still came with khaki uniform and we were forced to stop them from transporting passengers,” added Salgaokar.
However, those drivers in khaki uniform who were prevented from doing business on Thursday claimed that they had already stitched two pairs of khaki uniforms in May and added that was impractical and not feasible to stitch white uniforms.
“Our monthly salary is about Rs 10,000-12,000 and we have to maintain our family. Stitching a new white uniform within 10 days was simply not possible. Hence, we reported to duty in our regular khaki uniform,” said a driver.
“There are some taxi owners who come in coloured clothes and they were allowed to carry out their business. But we were treated this way only because were are employed by the taxi owners. The rule should have been applicable to everyone,” added the driver.
When this was brought to Salgaokar’s notice, he refuted the allegations and shot back: “Whether the taxi is driven by the owner or the driver, everyone should wear a white uniform during business hours.”
