Taxi firm to implement new commission system for drivers

The system was announced by the taxi company, the name of which is being withheld as the proposal is yet to be implemented, during talks with officials of the Philippine Embassy on Monday. The embassy initiated the talks following complaints from Filipino drivers who fear they would not be able to meet the daily target.

Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Libran N. Cabactulan lauded the company's management for coming up with the new system. He clarified that the case of the Filipino taxi drivers was not an issue of contract substitution. "The daily minimum target of Dh165 to be met to enjoy a commission in addition to the basic monthly salary of Dh1,000 was in the labour contract which they had signed," he said.

The Filipino taxi drivers had expressed fears that they might not be able to meet the target on some days because of the school holidays and introduction of free buses till December this year. The fact that they are new to the place also might hamper their daily earnings, they feared.

Labour Attache Nasser Munder said their fears are baseless. The taxi company is providing petrol. They also get free accommodation, monthly basic salary and new commission scheme. "What is needed now is a mechanism by which the driver's performance will be monitored and assessed by the company," Munder said.

lily@khaleejtimes.com