CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Dozens of taxicab drivers gathered in uptown Charlotte Friday, protesting in front of the Government Center.
The drivers were protesting work conditions and demanding independence from cab companies.
The protest was organized by the Teamster Local 71 union. Union representatives and cab drivers say they want the laws changed in Charlotte to mimic other large cities like New York.
Right now, in order to become a cabbie, drivers must register through a cab company.
Drivers say the fees associated with the cab companies are too high, and that's why the drivers are demanding they be allowed to choose whether to be independently self-employed.
"I have three kids. I have so many bills to pay, and I have to pay, every month, more than $1,300 to them," said cab driver Abdul Cali. "They don't provide me anything and my job is not secure enough."
