Memo from the Metropolitan Taxicab Board of Trade and the New York City Committee for Taxi Safety

This statement of opposition to a citywide taxi strike on May 13, 1998, was released by the Metropolitan Taxicab Board of Trade (a garage owners’ association) and the New York City Committee for Taxi Safety (a group of licensed taxi agents). It is just one example of memos from opposing organizations such as garage owners and individuals who did not support the taxi strike because the lack of cab service would affect their profits. Such memos spread disinformation and maintained that the strike was no longer happening. These groups insisted that they were taking action against the city and “fighting on all fronts,” but discouraged drivers from striking and suggested that by continuing to work, drivers would serve to protect their livelihoods and help the public.

Source: “The Real Deal: The Strike is Off!” memo, WAG 319, Box 1, Folder 20, New York Taxi Workers Alliance Records, Tamiment Library and Robert F. Wagner Archives, New York University Library.