IWGB Statement: Protest Postponed as Members Secure Meeting with TfL Boss Andy Lord

Following a series of successful protests, the IWGB Private Hire Drivers Branch has secured a meeting with Transport for London’s most senior official - Andy Lord. As a result, the demonstration we planned for 5 November will be postponed until after we have met with Mr. Lord next week to discuss our demands face to face.

The IWGB has been targeting Transport for London and its managers with protests throughout the year, including most recently surprising them outside one of their prestigious black tie dinners, shaming them for their abuse of drivers in front of their industry friends.

This strategy has proven effective. After we announced our next plan to mobilise en masse on 5 November and disrupt the rail conference where Andy Lord is scheduled to give a keynote speech, he contacted us directly and agreed to come to the table. Through drivers’ hard work and sustained direct action, we have built enough pressure to get our voices heard at the highest level - by those whose decisions shape our working lives.

In our meeting with Andy Lord, we will represent the thousands of private hire drivers across London who are struggling more and more every day to survive - squeezed on one side by exploitative operator commissions, and on the other by TfL’s unfair charges, fines, and licensing costs.

If Andy Lord fails to show a serious commitment to meeting our demands, then we are ready to immediately put our foot back on the pedal, resume our campaign, and return to the streets in greater numbers than ever before.

On Tuesday 11 November, at 5pm, we are holding a memorial vigil for Robert Dale, who died of a heart attack after TfL failed to renew his license in time. We invite every London private hire driver to join us in honouring Rob’s memory and demanding justice from TfL in his name.

We will also keep all drivers informed about what happens in our meeting with Andy Lord, and what action we are planning to take next. There has never been a more crucial moment for London private hire drivers to join forces, throw their energy behind a united campaign, and ensure that this small step forward becomes an unstoppable drive towards change.