About UTWSD

UTWSD is a a multi-ethnic membership-based organization formed in January 2010 immediately following the taxi drivers’ strike of December 2009. High lease prices, harassment by law enforcement and public transportation officials, and a generally languishing taxi industry necessitated better self representation and organization among drivers. Striking drivers appointed leadership and formed UTWSD. Since then UTWSD has lead the charge in effectuating real change for taxi drivers here in San Diego.

WELCOME FROM OUR PRESIDENT, Mikaiil Hussein

Dear Friends of UTWSD,

Welcome to the United Taxi Workers of San Diego (UTWSD) website. I encourage you to look around and explore the many aspects of the UTWSD, including where we’ve come from and where we are hoping to go.

After the driver strikes of December 2009 a core group of leaders formed the UTWSD in order to build on the momentum of bringing drivers together to fight for a more equitable taxi industry. We are currently on the verge of campaigns to establish the foundation of our organization.  This work includes:

  • Building a self-sustaining membership base
  • Solidifying a business plan that will increase our effectiveness
  • Expanding our network of supporters to ensure that a high-level of professional services are available to drivers and their families.

For the past year and a half we have also been fighting for an equal amount of driver representatives on San Diego’s Taxi Advisory Committee and on July 14th in a 8 to 2 vote we achieved this goal. We are very proud of all the accomplishments we have achieved and have the hard work of our driver members and allies to thank for it. We invite you all to join us on our journey to ensure that all taxi drivers are treated with dignity and respect.

In Solidarity,

Mikaiil Hussein, President of United Taxi Workers of San Diego

Mission

The mission of UTWSD is to unify taxicab workers, to improve working conditions through direct advocacy and empowerment to increase education and civic participation by taxi drivers and their families, and to improve professional transportation services for the San Diego community and visitors.

Vision

We envision a driver-led taxi industry that provides exceptional, efficient, and safe service for residents and visitors, and that meets the comprehensive and diverse needs of taxi drivers and their families. We envision a professional working environment free from humiliation, intimidation, discrimination, and exploitation. We envision UTWSD providing strong and representative leadership in this healthy, productive, and inclusive taxi industry.

Core Values

  • Excellence – Dedicated Service and Professionalism

  • Honesty – Trust and truthfulness

  • Integrity – Ethical and Transparent Leadership

  • Respect – Understand and Protect Rights of Drivers and Partners

  • Collaboration – Cross-Cultural Solidarity, Team Spirit, Industry Partnership.

The UTWSD is Proudly Comprised of Many Different Backgrounds!

Our UTWSD Members are From:

United States – Palestine – Ethiopia – Afghanistan – Iraq – Congo – Kenya – Sudan – Egypt – Kurdistan – Somalia – Eritrea – Mexico – Turkey – Nigeria – Pakistan – Peru 

And Growing!

Advocate      Educate      Organize      Empower