United Taxi Workers Organizing Committee (Boston, Mass.)

The United Taxi Workers Organizing Committee was formed in 1979 in response to Boston Taxi Cab's attempt to "voluntarily" lease cabs, thus depriving employee drivers of any control of work hours, gas charges and lease agreements. Existing cab drivers' unions in Boston were Back Bay Taxi Drivers and International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 496, but neither organization acted to protect the drivers. A Fall 1979 organizing campaign was impeded by the high employment turnover of drivers. During the summer of 1980 recruitment continued, as did company efforts to block the union. The National Labor Relations Board election of December 5, 1980 resulted in a 3 to 1 vote of no union.