The daily worker. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1924-1958, 1925-04-23
BIG DEMAND FOR
ORGANIZING NY.
YELLOW DRIVERS
Workers Are Dissatisfied
with Conditions

Will NOI1O1llOIlS
NEW YORK, April 21-That the
unionizing of the open shop Yellow
Taxi corporation, which is run by
relative of Mayor Hylan is possible,
if attempted seriously, is the opinion
of many of the workers of that com
pany.
The Yellow Taxi corporation, which
has over 5000 chauffeurs on its pay
roll is the lowest paying company in
the city. Its men only receive 33 1-3
per cent of their bookings, while those
who work for the independent taxis
receive at least 40 per cent.
The Union Broke Up.
Two years ago the Brotherhood of
Taxi Chauffeurs, an independent un-
ion, organized all the drivers except
those working for the Yellow Taxi
corporation. Before the strike they
had received SO 1-3 per cent, but due
to their victory they raised it to 40
per cent. Later the union broke up,
due to the ineficiency and lack Of or
ganizational experience on the part Of
its leaders.
Neither the Brotherhood of Taxi
Chauffeurs, or the International Broth
erhood of Transfers, Chauffeurs' and
Helpers Union, has ever made a seri-
Gus attempt to organize the Yellow
Taxi corporation in spite Of the fact
that the men are only waiting for
someone to take the lead.
HyIan's Favored Darling.
The Yellow Taxi corporation which
is the favored darling of the Hylan
administration, has all the vantage
points thruout the city, is so far as
stands are concerned, including the
railroad depots, leading hotels, base
ball grounds, etc. The chauffeurs of
the Yellow Taxi corporation must
work these stands, while the others
cruise along any part of the city.
At the Union Square stand, of the
Yellow Taxi corporation, IA out of
the Is drivers wanted to know when
the International Brotherhood of
Transfers, Chauffeurs' and Helpers
Union was going to organize them.
When interviewing the chauffeurs
at the Astor Hotel stand, at 45th st.
and Broadway, in the midst of the
theatrical district, beween 10 and II
o'clock, just prior to the home going
theater rush, about As out of the so
present, stated that they wanted to
be organized into the union.
When the day men were going home
from the 49th St. and First Ave. gar.
age of the Yellow Taxi corporation,
one of them said the following: "Well,
its about time that those organizers
did come down here. Conditions here
are terrible. Men aren't making liv.
ing. The sentiment is strong for
union"
Has Waited Three Years.
At Goth St., near First Ave, where
they have two garages, one chauffeur
said: I've been a driver and a stock.
holder in this company for over three
years. and I'm a member of the union
at the present time, and I've waited
for three years for help in organizing
the men. I'm willing to do my share,
but ! don't receive any cooperation
from the union officials"
At the Waldorf Hotel stand, 34th
st. and Fifth Ave, new driver had
the following story to tell: This
company (the Yellow Taxi corpora
tom broke me in, helped me get my
license, and promised that my com
mission and tips would average about
$4,000 a week. But try and get III
I'm damned lucky IL can make S2s
to $50 and believe me, have to work
darn hard to make that much"
Men In Receptive Mood.
The men are in a receptive mood
for organization, and the next step
is up to the union officials. who have
fertile field for work. The workers
on the job are willing to do their
share.