Montreal taxi drivers say they need to save their industry from extinction

Hundreds of Montreal taxi drivers got together on Sunday to discuss the state of their industry and how they can save themselves from possible extinction.

READ MORE: Taxi drivers’ class-action lawsuit against Quebec government gets green light

Three separate taxi drivers’ unions have agreed to merge under one banner to confront any possible changes to their jobs.

READ MORE: ‘Bonjour’ to a new look: Montreal taxis get makeover

“In the whole battle against Uber, we believe our fractured representation worked against us,” said Kamal Sabbah of the RPTM.

“Certain actors, like politicians, were playing the different associations against each other. We are stronger when we are united and speaking with one voice.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Certain actors, like politicians, were playing the different associations against each other. We are stronger when we are united and speaking with one voice."

The Regroupement des travailleurs autonomes métallos (RTAM) has absorbed the Regroupement des propriétaires de taxi de Montréal (RPTM) and the Association haïtienne des travailleurs du taxi (AHHT).

WATCH BELOW: New safety measures for Montreal taxis

0:46 New safety measures for Montreal taxis

“It’s a major change in the taxi industry,” longtime taxi driver Danny Attalah told Global News.

Get weekly money news

Get expert insights, Q&A on markets, housing, inflation, and personal finance information delivered to you every Saturday.

Sign up for weekly money newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

“It may be the end of the taxi as we know it so we’re trying to pull everyone together to face that.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It may be the end of the taxi as we know it so we're trying to pull everyone together to face that."

Quebec Transport Minister François Bonnardel had previously promised to reform the taxi business.

READ MORE: Montreal taxi drivers skeptical about promise of compensation

He has yet to explain what those changes could be, however he has mentioned ending the Uber pilot project, while implementing changes to modernize and create an impartial industry to promote innovation.

WATCH BELOW: Montreal taxi drivers skeptical about $250M compensation

1:29 Montreal taxi drivers skeptical about $250M compensation

Last October, a class-action lawsuit spearheaded by taxi drivers against the provincial government was given the go-ahead by Quebec Superior Court Judge Mark Peacock.

It could cost the province up to $1 billion over the loss of value of taxi permits, if the lawsuit is successful.

READ MORE: Teo Taxi halting operations, laying off all drivers, says union rep

Drivers believe amalgamating their associations will give them a more powerful voice in discussions with the transport minister.

They fear that if they don’t act now, the taxi permits that some bought for over $200,000 may soon be worthless.

WATCH BELOW: City unveils new standardized look for Montreal taxis

1:42 City unveils new standardized look for Montreal taxis