Lease Drivers Coalition demonstration
Title
Lease Drivers Coalition demonstration
Description
A group of protestors march down a New York City street holding a large green banner that reads, "Lease Drivers Coalition." Another protestor holds a sign reading, "Respect...cab drivers." This photograph captures one of several demonstrations throughout the 1990s that were part of the ongoing fight for taxi workers’ rights led by the Lease Drivers Coalition (LDC).
Organized by CAAAV in 1996, the LDC emerged from the organization's commitment to addressing the economic and racial injustices faced by Asian immigrant communities, particularly in the labor sector. The coalition was formed to combat the exploitation of taxi drivers, many of whom were from South Asian backgrounds. Drivers faced high lease fees, dangerous working conditions, and minimal benefits, as well as systemic barriers and discrimination. Through various protests and strikes, the LDC sought to secure fairer leasing terms, better wages, and improved healthcare for drivers. They also engaged in community outreach, distributing multilingual flyers and hosting bi-weekly meetings that discussed relevant issues, including police safety and the impacts of rising anti-Muslim sentiment in the wake of significant national events.
A key aspect of the LDC's efforts was their fight for reforms in the policies and regulations of the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC). This included calling for public hearings to address driver safety and challenging TLC practices that contribute to driver exploitation, such as inadequate oversight of lease agreements and unfair leasing terms.
1. Kelly, Kim. “What Drives Bhairavi Desai?” Lux Magazine, December 15, 2022. https://lux-magazine.com/article/bhairavi_desai_twa/.
2. The CAAAV Voice Newsletter of the Committee Against Anti-Asian Violence, Vol. 5, No. 1., Spring 1993, p. 5.
Organized by CAAAV in 1996, the LDC emerged from the organization's commitment to addressing the economic and racial injustices faced by Asian immigrant communities, particularly in the labor sector. The coalition was formed to combat the exploitation of taxi drivers, many of whom were from South Asian backgrounds. Drivers faced high lease fees, dangerous working conditions, and minimal benefits, as well as systemic barriers and discrimination. Through various protests and strikes, the LDC sought to secure fairer leasing terms, better wages, and improved healthcare for drivers. They also engaged in community outreach, distributing multilingual flyers and hosting bi-weekly meetings that discussed relevant issues, including police safety and the impacts of rising anti-Muslim sentiment in the wake of significant national events.
A key aspect of the LDC's efforts was their fight for reforms in the policies and regulations of the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC). This included calling for public hearings to address driver safety and challenging TLC practices that contribute to driver exploitation, such as inadequate oversight of lease agreements and unfair leasing terms.
1. Kelly, Kim. “What Drives Bhairavi Desai?” Lux Magazine, December 15, 2022. https://lux-magazine.com/article/bhairavi_desai_twa/.
2. The CAAAV Voice Newsletter of the Committee Against Anti-Asian Violence, Vol. 5, No. 1., Spring 1993, p. 5.
Date
circa 1997
Contributor
Digitized by: Molly Wu
Cataloged by: Emily Teller
Cataloged by: Emily Teller
Rights
Copyright is held by CAAAV Organizing Asian Communities.
Format
Photograph
Identifier
Photo750
Files
Citation
“Lease Drivers Coalition demonstration,” CAAAV Digital Archive, accessed November 23, 2024, https://archives.caaav.org/items/show/2411.