Super Shuttle Supporters Stage "Drive Thru Rally" at National Airport
Monday, May 12, 2014
(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)Dozens of supporters of Super Shuttle drivers at National Airport
staged a “drive thru” rally Monday at National Airport after Veolia Transportation – the driver’s parent
company – threatened them if they went ahead with plans to stage their own
demonstration at the airport. “We’re with you,” declared both NOVA
president Dan Duncan and Metro
Washington
Council president Jos Williams, who joined the drivers and UFCW 1994 president
Gino Renne and staff at a pre-demo rally in a nearby parking lot. The drivers
and their supporters rallied to bring attention to Veolia's system of what they
characterized as "indentured servitude," in which Veolia charges its drivers
$35,000 for a "franchise" and then charges them weekly fees for equipment,
services and other items even when the driver isn't working. Drivers who often
work as much as 18 hours a day can still end their workweek with a negative
paycheck. “In claiming these drivers are franchisees, Veolia avoids paying
disability insurance, taxes and social security on these workers,” says UFCW
1994. “The company is attempting to intimidate workers with threats of firing
for standing up for their rights.” The drivers are attempting to gain union
representation with UFCW Local 1994.
- report/photos by Chris Garlock