Queue marshals speak up
Kwatsaduza – Queue marshals man taxi ranks to make sure the ranks are operational and commuters know which taxi will get them to their destination.
Friday Phiri (38), who works as a taxi marshal at the Springs Top Centre Taxi Rank, explains his daily duties as making sure that commuters are treated with respect by drivers, taxis are clean and in good condition, and disabled and sick passengers are seated in the most comfortable seats in the taxi.
Most queue marshals such as Phiri are not members of an association.
“We try and make sure that our commuters get the best service while they are making use of taxis,” says Phiri.
Despite the vulnerability that comes with the job and not having any board that is accountable for their safety and rights, they still go out every day for the sake of commuters, as well as to put bread on the table.
Taxi associations are not involved when it comes to paying for services rendered by queue marshals, it’s taxi drivers that ensure that queue marshals are paid on a weekly basis.
“Every taxi that operates in a designated taxi rank, contributes a certain amount so we are paid at the end of every week, even though it’s not a fixed amount,” says Phiri.
“Our wages depend on how much a taxi driver has made throughout the week and sometimes it’s not enough,” he adds.
He further says it will be beneficial for them (queue marshals) to receive fixed salaries as it would afford them to budget and receive credit solutions.
Public relations officer for the Springs Taxi Association, Thomas Kabini says they are in talks with various bodies within the taxi industry, so queue marshals are registered members of associations.
“We also want taxi owners to be active in the process of ensuring that queue marshals are able to get fixed wages and salary slips like other members of the association,” says Kabini.
