Tempers flared at the Ottawa Airport Wednesday as a taxi dispute over an increase in pick-up fees entered its second day.
Coventry Connections, the company that manages airport taxis, has increased the fee drivers must pay to pick passengers up from the airport from about $1.50 to $5. Drivers say it's too high.
They say that’s due to a more expensive contract with the airport.
Drivers began their strike action at the airport Tuesday morning, honking their horns and driving slowly though the pickup area, causing some disruption to traffic.
On Wednesday, police put up baracades so the taxi drivers would remain in one place.
Many passengers have been caught off guard by the job action and forced to find alternate arrangements, with some renting vehicles or phoning friends and family for rides.
The airport authority has brought in extra shuttles while reminding airport users that OC Transpo continues to provide service on route 97.
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Airport taxi drivers are upset because Coventry Connections wants to increase airport fee from about $1.50 a ride to $5 a fare. @ctvottawa— Annie BergeronOliver (@AnnieClaireBO) August 11, 2015
The drivers say that increase takes a huge chunk out of their bottom dollar. Company says they are aligning fees with other major airports
— Annie BergeronOliver (@AnnieClaireBO) August 11, 2015
President of Coventry Connections tells me drivers who do not pay the $5 fee won't be able to pick up passengers; others will be able to.
— Annie BergeronOliver (@AnnieClaireBO) August 11, 2015
Dispatch is still working, but gate has now been closed preventing taxis from picking up passengers at the airport. @ctvottawa
Police are asking this taxi driver to leave property. He refuses. "Arrest me or leave me alone," he yells #OttNews pic.twitter.com/e9EzEvxuLw
— Kristy Cameron (@CFRAKristy) August 11, 2015
Taxi drivers saying "we want to work!" "We are here to serve the public" #ottnews @ctvottawa
— Annie BergeronOliver (@AnnieClaireBO) August 11, 2015
Ottawa airport now warning passengers about longer than usual wait times for taxis due to a "labour dispute." @CTVOttawa #ottnews
— Annie BergeronOliver (@AnnieClaireBO) August 11, 2015
Airport taxi drivers lining the road to the airport giving thumbs up and high fives to blue line cabs picking up passengers at airport
— Annie BergeronOliver (@AnnieClaireBO) August 11, 2015
No taxis are driving into the taxi stand area now. They must pay $5 per pickup to drive here and they are refusing. pic.twitter.com/GnZdWMsqvC
— Kristy Cameron (@CFRAKristy) August 11, 2015
Blue line and capital are dropping passengers off, but not picking them up. @ctvottawa #ottnews
— Annie BergeronOliver (@AnnieClaireBO) August 11, 2015
