Minneapolis, MN (HOL) - Taxi drivers who refuse to carry alcohol-toting passengers at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport will lose their license for 30 days on the first offense. If they do it again, their license will be revoked for two years.
That was the ruling today by the Metropolitan Airports Commission, which unanimously approved the increased penalty, ending years of debate over workplace rights and responsibilities.
“Providing and championing excellent customer service is an essential goal of the [MAC],” said MAC executive director Jeff Hamiel in a written statement. “Today’s action will strengthen compliance with our taxicab ordinance and ensure people who seek taxi service receive it.”
More than 70 percent of the airport’s 900 taxi drivers are Muslims from Somalia, according to MAC. Some of them say their faith prohibits them from transporting booze.
Many of them, who idled while waiting for their next fare at the airport Monday, expressed disappointment with the decision. “We will do whatever it takes to find justice,” said Guled Ali.
Ali and others wouldn’t say if that means taking the issue to court.
The MAC said it’s holding a job fair for licensed taxi drivers who are interested in other careers. None of the drivers interviewed for this story expressed interest in that, saying that a lot of them left other less-accommodating jobs.
The new ruling will take effect on May 11, when all taxicabs have to renew their permits.
Abdirahman Aynte can be reached at [email protected]