We helped taxi driver get back on the road

• General News
• 9th October 2012

The TWU recently assisted a taxi driver member, whose taxi licence had been suspended on health grounds, to get that taxi licence back.

For reasons of privacy we will not name the driver concerned. In about May 2012 the taxi driver had a medical assessment by his GP regarding his fitness to hold a taxi licence.

The doctor passed the taxi driver as being “fit”, however, the doctor made some additional comments about that driver’s medical condition.

In June 2012, and without any warning, the Department of Transport served the taxi driver with a notice suspending his taxi licence with immediate effect.

The taxi driver is a member of the TWU and he came to us for some help, as he was no longer able to earn his living as a taxi driver, which he had been doing for many years.

The TWU wrote a letter to the Director General of Transport on behalf of the member, requesting that the Department reconsider the decision to suspend that driver’s taxi licence. That appeal was made pursuant to the Department of Transport’s internal appeals process.

In late August 2012, the Director General of Transport advised the member that his appeal was successful and that his taxi licence was reinstated.

That decision was made after consideration of all circumstances, including the TWU’s submissions on the taxi driver’s behalf.

Although the taxi driver concerned will have to undergo a further medical review, he is now able to once again work in his chosen occupation, thanks to the efforts of the TWU.