The union representing Vets Cab drivers in Windsor wants the city to step up enforcement against Uber, which is currently operating illegally.
A joint sting operation by Windsor police and bylaw enforcement saw 20 drivers receive a total of $7,900 in fines. Drivers were also hit with 40 bylaw infractions, which are currently before the courts.
Vice President of Unifor Local 195 John Toth says that enforcement action didn't go far enough.
"We would like to see some stepped up enforcement," he says.
"We believe that Uber drivers are becoming more aggressive on the weekends downtown in terms of trying to solicit ridership and that's a problem [because] that's clearly outside of the realm of the way Uber said they were operating."
Not only that, but Toth estimates Uber is taking away about 1% of taxi business.
"That 1% may not seem like a significant amount, but for the average driver who is barely making a living driving a taxi cab after paying for all the regulatory fees, after paying for the insurance, after paying the maintenance of his vehicle -- that 1% margin is quite a bit," Toth says.
The city is currently in the process of hiring a consultant to develop a bylaw that would allow companies like Uber to operate legally.
The union isn't opposed to Uber in Windsor, Toth says they just want a "level playing field" when it comes to rules both companies must follow.
BlackburnNews.com attempted to contact Uber, but did not receive a response.
