August 21, 1976 – The Chicago Tribune reports that nearly 100 cab drivers demonstrate at
the Civic Center, protesting a ruling by the city commissioner of consumer
affairs, Jane Byrne, that they must wear uniforms. The ruling, due to take effect on September
7, causes anger among the cabbies who say that over the preceding year three
drivers have been killed, seven shot, one has his throat cut, and another
suffers amputation of a leg as a result of a robbery. Uniforms will just make them a more
recognizable target when they are away from their cabs, they say. One driver says that he has to drive 16 to 18
hours a day to make a living, and that there is not enough money to buy and
maintain a uniform. Jane Guthrie, a
driver for three years, says, “How can the city tell self-employed persons to
wear uniforms . . . If your cab breaks down in a bad neighborhood it’s bad
enough getting out without having to wear a uniform which advertises that
you’re stranded and have money on you from driving.” [Chicago
Tribune, August 21, 1976]
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