Placard, racism, Melbourne taxi drivers, protest, 2008
Summary
This placard, originally a cardboard box, was found at the corner of Flinders St and Swanston St, Melbourne after a taxi driver protest in 2008. The protest was motivated primarily by a spate of attacks on drivers. The object featured in the 2014 City Gallery exhibition titled 'Hello Yellow' curated by Christine Eid.
"...Safety has long been a concern for taxi drivers internationally. Regulations have tried to address this by setting parameters around the negotiation between driver and passenger and outlining taxicab etiquette. Despite this framework when it comes to occupational violence the reality is taxi driving is one of the highest risk jobs.
Taxi activism has a history of bringing this city to a standstill. Whether it’s taxi drivers protesting for better safety and working conditions or taxi licence owners challenging the Victorian State Government’s industry reforms, the streets of Melbourne have been blockaded to take a stand.
It is ironic that it is only when taxi drivers get out of their cabs and take to the streets to protest that we sit up and take notice of their plight. These disruptive but peaceful protests have spurred authorities to take action, amend regulations while Melburnians have been confronted with the concerns of taxi drivers.
With the absence of a communal workplace protests provide a voice that may not otherwise be heard. While protests have not always achieved their intended outcome, others have been successful. Following the 1938 protest all Melbourne taxis were brought under one central authority and after the 2008 protest prepaid fares and protection screens were introduced.
Licence owners represented by Victorian Taxi Families have also taken to the streets to campaign against industry reforms. Following an inquiry, from July 2014 the Taxi Services Commission have removed restrictions on the number of taxi licences issued and ongoing taxi licences are available for lease for $22,000 a year. Opening up the market has meant that licence values that had peaked at over $500,000 in 2011 have dropped to just under $280,000 in 2014. Licence owners are currently appealing for compensation from the state government..."
Christine Eid, “Hello Yellow” exhibition catalogue, City Gallery, 2014
