The Blessing Sunlight for Philadelphia Taxi Industry
“My name is Ron, how are you brother?”,- This was my 1st encounter with Unified Taxi Workers Alliance of PA President Ron Blount. We were at 641 N. Broad Street, a huge gathering of taxi drivers, including New York TWA's Bhairavi Desai, demonstrating against the upcoming PPA GPS system. Simon Abitol was the target and I was inspired looking at Ron leading the rally. I also was looking at a group of drivers with unconditional dedication to launch a movement against the Parking Authority’s inhumane and unjust GPS system that was introduced in the early part of 2005.
Later that year at the Convention Center, I got to hear the PPA’s explanation for this new regulatory GPS system and was completely shocked. I remember telling my fellow taxi drivers that this system will be the most expensive and that a harsh injustice will begin once it is installed. And since the GPS installation, tears have been my companion over the past 4 years.
I started taxi driving in 2001 and over this period, I’ve seen several taxi driver groups’ activities, but I never would getinvolved. But in 2005, as an educated and curious man, and after my 2nd meeting with organizers in the airport holding lot, I felt compelled to stand up for my humanity and got involved with the Taxi Workers Alliance.
Era by Era, Allah (God) sends pioneers to this world to change society by bringing peace and justice for humanity. I believe Ron is one of them because he receives unconditional love and respect from the taxi community and vice versa. I observed that Ron possesses special characteristics to help lead the taxi movement.
He is most humble to creation, respects every ethnic community, is dedicated to needs and powerful in voice, is our strongest protester, and unconditionally surrenders to truth. I stayed close and learned a lot from Ron, and Ron learned a lot from me.
From my understanding, in 2004, Ron was active with the Brotherhood, which at the time was the only taxi driver association in the city. George Seymour at the time was the Brotherhood’s president. Ron began spending many hours and much resources trying to organize and mobilize drivers for their rights. However day by day, Ron began feeling uncomfortable with the Brotherhood’s ideas and campaign activities. Eventually Ron along with organizers Tekle Gebremedhin, Hewitt Malone, Joseph Conte, Nabil Hasan, and Khalid Alvi decided to bring their vision to harvest. After several meetings with the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, they decided to form the Taxi Workers Alliance of Pa. These highly dedicated men worked day and night to develop the new organization with the help of other social justice organizations in the city including Jobs with Justice, Media Mobilizing Project, Philadelphia Student Union, Asian Americans United, and many more.
From March 2005 to March 2007, TWAPA restructured several times in order to find a conscious and dedicated organizing committee. My involvement began in 2005, and I always tried to be constructive and pragmatic with ideas. I felt that it was important to us in this struggle to unify both the Brotherhood and TWA, in order to form one strong taxi movement. This was necessary if drivers were to work with pride, dignity and justice. Our strategy focused on ethnic community representation, which proved to be successful in the May 2006 Strike that had 98% participation city-wide. These are some of the ideas as Senior Vice President, that I was able to suggest.
I continue to search for clarity of our socio-economic background. 90% of Philadelphia taxi drivers are 1st generation immigrants. I really felt a part of the movement by suggesting that we organize by ethnic communities and seeing how this strategy was effective. Furthermore, I believe that Ron understands the suffering of drivers and the need to eliminate the poverty that effects drivers and their families.
From March 2005 to November 2006, TWA-PA launched several campaigns through Ron’s initiatives, such as GPS struggle, meter increases, fuel surcharges, mileage restrictions, PPA inspections, test scores for hack licenses (reduced from 88% to 78%). Then there was the Rally in Harrisburg to stop House Bill 2545; 350 of the city’s taxicabs caravaned into the capital to protest at John Perzel’s office. Eventually, Governor Rendell vetoed it.
From March 2005 to November 2009, under Ron’s leadership, TWA-PA launched a very effective movement. For example, Ron unselfishly spent many hours with drivers in the field, losing money he could have earned. Ron traveled throughout the country building a network of allies including government officials, union leaders, and social justice organizations. Ron setup TWA-PA's office where organizers are provided with a space to strategize our campaigns. Ron set up TWA-PA's non-profit status, enabling us to apply for funding for equipment, technical support, and communications. He further arranged training and workshops for the organizers provided by Jobs with Justice, AFL-CIO, SEIU, Philadelphia Joint Board, and Asian American United. Ron constantly attends meetings with airport officials, Amtrak management, and even the PPA. Ron started the health fairs for taxi drivers, toy drive, and health discounts for our members. Ron's latest endeavors include the TWA academy to help drivers obtain their U.S. GED. All of this while under the pressure of a criminal case, that was fueled for political reasons, where he eventually was exonerated.
I’m praising Allah (God) for giving Ron the strength and wisdom to help with our struggle. We need to know sincerely who we are, as well as what is necessary for our unity. I’m requesting every taxi driver in Philadelphia to step up and become a part of TWA-PA. Please contribute some effort for your benefit, safety, and humanity. Putting Allah (God) 1st, united we can be victorious in our struggle for dignity, respect and justice. This struggle journeys towards truth and fairness. We need each of us to reach our destination.
Mohammad Shukur is UTWA-PA Senior Vice President. This piece was first published in "Waiting Times," UTWA-PA's newsletter.
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