workers compensation

Pennsylvania firefighters who are living with cancer caused by hazardous working conditions are one step closer to receiving workers' compensation to help with medical costs. The Cancer Presumption Bill, 25 years in the making, is now awaiting Governor Rendell's signature and will pass if he signs.

This Friday at 7pm join us for a screening of two important independent films about the life, work, and organizing of taxi drivers in Philadelphia. 

Taxi drivers are 60 times more likely to be assaulted or killed on the job than people in any other occupation. The Unified Taxi Workers Alliance (UTWA) has led the charge to make sure all people who come in contact with the taxi industry -- whether drivers or passengers -- are afforded the rights they deserve as human beings.

With landmark legislation in front of the PA House of Representatives to ensure workers compensation for drivers injured or killed on the job there couldn't be a more important time to watch and learn from the stories of drivers across our city. 

Come to Scribe Video Center at 4212 Chestnut St, 3rd floor on Friday June 11th, at 7pm to watch.

And if you can't make the screening, make sure you support the work of taxi drivers and sign on to the petition for workers compensation.

DAN GERINGER's article in today's Daily News is a case of bad journalism. Geringer doesn't explain the merits of HB 1914 and how in its entirety, the bill is connected and allied with a cause greater than one alone, that both communities (people with disabilities and taxi drivers) suffer because the few are making big bucks by exploiting the many.

Thanks to everyone who came out to the public hearing last Friday March 19th at City Hall.  MMP was there along with representation from every group in MMP.

Taxi drivers and people living with disabilities have been working together for years to bring accessibility and basic health protections to the taxi industry, and a hearing on proposed legislation last Friday brought them one step closer.

UPDATE: The hearing will be rescheduled to Janurary. More information to on new time and location soon.

In August, 2009 State Representative Mark Cohen introduced House Bill 1914. This legislation is seeking to provide workers compensation for taxi drivers. The Bill is currently in the Urban Affairs Committee.

The next step of the process will be a public hearing scheduled for December 17th 2009 at 10 am in the Convention Center, room 108. We are asking all Unified Taxi Workers Alliance (UTWA) members, members of our network, allies and friends to attend this hearing as we continue our fight for economic justice.