Yellow Cab Drivers Stage Protest Over Alleged Airport Mistreatment
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Some Yellow Cab drivers are refusing to pick up passengers at Pittsburgh International Airport as part of a protest.
Nearly 24 Yellow Cab drivers banded together to make a statement Monday.
They lined up at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, drove through the city and out to airport. Then, they turned right back around without picking up any passengers.
The convoy was all an effort to send airport management a message.
"We just want to work. We want to support our families. I mean, that's all I'm trying to do," Steven Chenevert said.
Chenevert, who has been driving a cab for 16 years, said airport management is making his job impossible.
He said the ground transportation manager has been harassing drivers.
"I mean, I had a little crack in my windshield - and they threw me out. There are drivers that have been kicked out of there for having a headlight out, being over five feet from your cab, you have to throw something away, the trash can is about seven feet," Chenevert said.
Other drivers claim unfair treatment is creating an uncomfortable work environment.
"A guy had a picture of his kids on the dashboard, she told the guy to remove the picture because it's obstructing his vision. It's just nit-picking," Monty Montgomery said.
Some drivers said even the restrooms they are forced to use are unsanitary.
"The bathrooms, deplorable conditions and this is run by the county/ I mean urine, I mean urine up to here on your feet when you go to use the bathroom," Montgomery said.
Drivers said they have not yet contacted the airport about their concerns. They're hoping airport management notices their protest and contacts Yellow Cab.
In the meantime, Yellow Cab is encouraging its drivers to still pick up passengers while they address their concerns.
"We are aware that some of our lease drivers are concerned about their treatment at the Airport and we are looking into the situation. However, Yellow Cab is encouraging our lease drivers to comply with the PUC obligation and service the riding public," a representative said in a statement.
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