In May 1998 taxi drivers organized a mass protest against Giuliani's moves to increase insurance liability requirements, mandate drug tests of new drivers, and levy fines of up to $1,000 for several moving violations. The drivers planned to hold another action in which they would slowly drive their cars over the Queensboro Bridge and down Broadway during the morning rush hour.

Giuliani banned the action and put scores of police at the entrance to the bridge to prevent drivers from joining the protest.

In his ruling the judge said that in preventing the protest the administration was motivated by a desire to retaliate against the drivers for their earlier action, not by concerns about traffic and safety as claimed by the city's lawyer.

After the strike collapsed, Giuliani gloated, "They know that we broke their strike--destroyed it, really."

The award by the judge to the United Yellow Cab Drivers Association and two of its members showed class justice at work. What is the cost to a capitalist city government for breaking a strike and carrying out a violation of the rights of working people? According to the judge, $803.  
 
 
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