Some Windsor cab drivers could be double dipping by working for Uber in their company car.
Local 195 has launched an investigation into at least one Vets Cab driver who appears to be "feeding off both troughs."
It's believed some are using the Vets dispatch service, while trying to supplement their income with Uber when things are slow.
Uber is a ride-sharing service that connects riders with drivers, who use their personal vehicles, through a cell phone app.
First Vice President John Toth says it's strictly prohibited to work for both services and is frowned upon by the union.
"We believe that Uber is illegal and isn't operating under the rules that have been established by the city for the taxi industry," Toth says. "We think that anybody who is participating in that activity is breaking the law and obviously breaking their contract as well."
It also may pose some liability for Vets Cab.
"As we know Uber has said that they have their own insurance, but no one has ever actually seen the policy, tested it or been paid out, that we know of," Toth says. "They would fall back to the driver and then to the company, I'd assume, would be the second payer."
If a Vets driver is caught, they could be looking at serious consequences.
"They have to choose one or the other," Toth says. "If they chose to continue to drive with Uber there would be repercussions with the company."
Toth believes it would be a clear violation of their contract, and if that's broken the union is no longer required to represent them.
So far, Toth says there's no proof the driver in question is working for Uber, but there are people "trying to obtain that evidence."
Uber launched in Windsor last week and now the city is rushing to create bylaws to regulate the company.