Protest Over Shuttle Driver Firings Set for Today in Baltimore
Monday, January 20, 2014
(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)Members of UFCW Local 1994 and Baltimore-based
"We Deserve Better Workers Assembly" will
protest Veolia Corp.'s firing of two of its
Super Shuttle drivers and the drivers' horrific
working conditions today at 3p at Veolia's
Corporate Headquarters in Baltimore. The groups
are also rallying to bring attention to
Veolia's system of what they characterize as
"indentured servitude." The company charges its
employees $35,000 for a "franchise" but then
charges them weekly fees for equipment,
services and other items even if the driver
isn't working. “Drivers often have to work
17-18 hours a day and still end their work week
with a negative paycheck,” says Local 1994.
In claiming these drivers are franchisees,
Veolia avoids paying disability insurance,
taxes and social security on these workers, yet
Veolia fired two of its drivers following a
protest at BWI, claiming that the drivers
participated in an "illegal action," notes the
union. The drivers are attempting to gain union
representation with Local 1994. photo of
11/7/2013 BWI action by Chris Garlock