This seems a bit sudden, but the Common Denominator is reporting that District cabbies are organizing a work stoppage for Wednesday in protest of District Council hearings that would do away with much-hated and sometimes-loved taxi cab zone system (pdf).

From the CD:

Councilwoman Carol Schwartz has scheduled a public hearing for 7 p.m. Nov. 17 in the council chamber at the Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, to seek public comment on the plan to require meters in cabs. The issue has long been debated and long opposed by taxicab drivers. Residents of many of the city’s poorer neighborhoods frequently note that the current flat fee makes it feasible for the poor to plan ahead for transportation costs when they need to get to a grocery store or a doctor’s office. Meters would charge cab riders for time and distance — meaning that sitting in a traffic jam or at a red light would add additional cost to a trip.

Has anyone else heard any stirrings regarding this?