Police said fifteen taxi drivers on strike in Las Vegas were arrested Tuesday while protesting outside the large National Association of Broadcasters Convention, the Associated Press reported. Officer Jose Hernandez said that 14 people were booked and released on suspicion of traffic-related violations, including 12 for failing to obey a traffic signal. Hernandez commented that one person was arrested on an outstanding warrant.
Union officials said about 400 drivers were demonstrating against the Yellow-Check-Star cab company.
"We're the ambassador of the city, as they call us, because we're the first ones to greet the conventioneers and the tourists. How come nobody is hearing us right now? So we need to raise our voices and let the people hear us," Ermias Aboye told the press.
"What they specifically do is when they go to cross the street, they will wait, and the light will turn red, and then they still go out into the street in an attempt to stand in front of certain vehicles and conduct their protest," Metro Captain Todd Fasulo said.
No arrests were made at the convention center on Wednesday.
Some drivers have been on strike since March 3 over a contract dispute with the company's management.
Drivers with the Yellow Checker Star Transportation have been on strike for several weeks.
Many employees plan to strike until their new deal is reached.
