As Chairman of the Southampton Hackney Association (SHA) which was established in 2001, we will continue for many, many years, to support our members to the utmost but as a local taxi association, there is only so much we can do.

It is never too late to join a trade union and believe it or not, I have just done this myself in joining the GMB. I have joined because I need some protection connected with my job and the union can give me advice, support and representation in my workplace. There are a number of areas the Union can help with including injuries and accidents at work, road traffic accidents, industrial disease, criminal injury and disciplinary hearings, to name but a few.

Established in the late 1800s, over time the GMB has merged with a number of other unions to create the third largest in this country with almost 639,000 members. The GMB protect people in a whole range of workplaces and are proud to represent licensed drivers having a proactive Taxi Branch in London and some areas of the country including the private hire trade too. 

The cost of GMB membership is £13 a month by direct debit.  A road traffic fund is an additional cost, which offers a variety of benefits.

You can join online by visiting their website: https://www.gmb.org.uk/join OR contact me for a membership form: info@southamptontaxis.org - giving me you name and mobile number.