New GMB branch takes action against council

Over 200 Leeds minicab drivers have joined the GMB general union and formed their own branch after being harshly treated by Leeds City Council.

Drivers flocked to mass meetings after strict new rules were imposed by the council, such as reducing the age of cars that can be used as private hire vehicles. The rules come at a time when drivers are already being hard hit by the recession.

The new branch – the Leeds Private Hire Association branch – is staging a protest at the Leeds licensing committee meeting. Branch president Javaid Akhtar said: “Private hire drivers in Leeds now have a voice and they are making that voice heard loud and clear as part of GMB.”