The Chongqing Municipal Federation of Trade Unions has issued a circular to the relevant city departments, asking that taxi companies in the city set up trade unions by the end of November 2008 to better protect taxi drivers' rights.
At present, there are more than 14,600 taxis in Chongqing and these are operated by 155 taxi companies and 1086 individuals. Most of the taxi drivers of the city are laid-off workers and migrant workers.
CMCTU says after the trade unions are established, taxi drivers can directly report their demands to the trade unions which will then negotiate with the taxi companies on behalf of the drivers on such issues as car rental fees, salaries, holiday issues and labor protection. The unions will sign collective contracts with the taxi companies to ensure that taxi drivers' salaries and social insurance levels go up in proportion to the taxi companies' income.
In November 2008, taxi drivers in Chongqing went on strike to protest against unfair competition and low incomes.
