In NSW taxi drivers are a marginalised group. They work long hours for low returns in what can be a dangerous working environment.
Taxi drivers are only rarely employees. Most taxi drivers are contract drivers who drive under contract to taxi operators. The contract conditions of taxi drivers are set out in the Taxi Industry (Contract Drivers) Contract Determination 1984. Unfortunately, most contract drivers are being denied some of their entitlements under the Determination as a result of unscrupulous operators or lack of knowledge of their entitlements.
Things to know:
- You are entitled to holiday pay if you are a permanent driver and have driven for the same operator on a regular basis for 3 months or more. The annual leave entitlement is 5 weeks.
- Your operator is required to have comprehensive motor vehicle insurance policy for the taxi. This policy is required to be kept in the glove-box of the taxi. If you are in an accident then you need to know the insurance policy number. Unfortunately some operators do not submit the claims to their insurer and if you are in an at fault accident the other vehicle owner (or their insurer) claims against the driver. The rule is that the operator is to indemnify the driver.
- The operator cannot charge any insurance excess against the driver.
- If you are fined for a traffic offence you must notify Roads and Maritime (RMS) within 7 days.
- If you are charged with a criminal offence you must notify RMS within 7 days of being charged (not when convicted but when charged)
- If you have customer complaint against you which is dealt with by the Network make sure you respond to the complaint and ask for a copy of the Network records of the complaint and its resolution.
- If you receive a Show Cause Notice from RMS seek immediate advice.
We will only represent drivers. We do not represent operators
Contact Bob Ramsey at the office or on 0417 418 774.