Statistics state that Walmart pays employees an average of $8.81 per hour. That may be low; however, the average cab driver in Orlando makes less that $8.81 per hour. An Orlando cab driver (those with city driver permits who drive only inspected/passed vehicles) must rent a cab from a cab company licensed to do business in the City of Orlando (at a cost usually exceeding $90.00 day). The cab driver must also pay for gas, tolls, airport loading charges, escrow account, damage to the vehicle, and other related expenses. If the average Orlando cab driver drives a full 12-hour shift and he/she makes $100.00 for himself or herself, he/she is elated! That $100.00 goal is not free and clear, however! Orlando cab drivers receive no unemployment insurance, must report their income as "employer-income" meaning that the cab drivers must pay their own share of taxes (ie; unemployment, social security, unemployment, etc.) AND what would be considered the "employer-expense" portion of the same taxes as well! They are considered "Independent Contractors" since they rent the cab and its related equipment; therefore, they are considered "self-employed!" Orlando cab drivers receive no insurance. As a matter of fact, if they get into an accident and they are injured, the cab companies will cover all damages to the cab (minus the usual $800-$1200 deductible - which the cab driver pays), and does NOT insure the cab drivers for any of their injuries! No workers compensation insurance. None of that! So...if you decide to boycott Walmart (which is fine with me) and go to another retail outlet, please tip your cab driver exceedingly well for taking you there...he/she makes much less than the employees of the store you are boycotting!
Posted on: Wed, 07 Aug 2013 10:55:30 +0000