Photo by andertho.

Earlier this week, the Teamsters-Taxicab Association sued the city and the Cab Commission to stop the implementation of the modernization requirements.

Mayor Vince Gray’s spokesperson commented on the latest development and his response has left some drivers very unhappy.

“For the past few years the drivers have been their own worst enemy,” Pedro Ribeiro told Washingtonian. “We barely have a third-world taxicab system in this city.”

The Teamsters then sent out a release, saying Ribeiro’s statement is “offensive and it demeans the more than 6,000 taxicab drivers in the District, many of whom are from developing countries in Africa and the Middle East.”

“Those words are hurtful to each and every driver who works long days—often up to 16 hours, seven days a week—and who earn about $25,000 to $30,000 per year providing a valuable service,” the statement from the Teamsters-affiliated association continued. “The comments also demean an honorable profession that has a long, proud history in the District of being an economic lifeline for African Americans and the immigrant community struggling to provide for their families.”

“My comment was about the state of the District’s taxicab system, not about anyone working in it,” Ribeiro said in an email. “I think we all share the goal of a modern, safe 21st century taxicab system. As an immigrant to this great country, I know full well the challenges and difficulties that brings. If my comment was interpreted as offensive, I certainly apologize.”