(4/26/2004)
Following a sometimes tense dispute that has lasted for nearly two months, two Bali taxi operators have finally signed a cooperative agreements with the management of The Westin Resort, Nusa Dua, Bali that will promises smooth and uninterrupted taxi services to guests staying at the Resort.
As reported on balidiscovery.com on March 1, 2004, [Westin Hit by One-Day Taxi Driver Blockade], taxi service was interrupted by a one-day blockade staged by taxi drivers from the Kowinu Cooperative on February 27, 2004.
Under the terms of the new agreement, the Kowinu drivers – comprised of men living in the areas immediately adjacent to the Resort, are entitled to a 2:1 ratio of taxi pick-up by drivers from the competing Bali Taxi Company drivers. A victory of sorts for the local drivers who, under the terms of the old agreement, enjoyed only equal access to paying passengers. The new agreement was signed by representatives from both taxi companies and the Resort. Witnessing the signing were various local government and village officials and the President Director of the Bali Tourism Development Corporation (BTDC), Made Madra.
Mr. Madra, bemoaning the unfortunate blocking of the hotel's entrance by drivers on February 27, 2004, called on all parties to the agreement to not only refer to the agreement just signed but to also base their future actions on the unwritten rules in their hearts that demand the character of Bali be preserved.
The Kowinu Cooperative drivers, who eventually settled for a 2:1 ratio of passengers, were initially demanding a 3:1 share.
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