Dozens of Armenians in California may lose jobs

Two weeks ago, authorities of the City of Santa Monica decided to limit the number of local taxi services. By this decision, 5 companies received a permission to provide these services while 13 companies including five companies founded by Armenians were denied this. Decision will come into force from January 1, 2011

"The expected reduction of jobs in this area, in which the Armenians make majority, would cause serious harm to the community," representative for the Armenian Youth Federation Meruzh Abrahamian said in an interview with the local "Horizon" television.

Armenian drivers have already held several protest rallies. According to representatives of American-Armenian organizations, the licensing process was opaque and there are doubts of discrimination.

However, authorities in Santa Monica reject accusations of discrimination against Armenians. They assure that they were forced to reduce the number of companies mainly because supply exceeds demand which causes harm to environment. Also, the City Hall has received numerous complaints from residents about the high prices set by some companies and poor quality services.

According to the Armenian and American media, if the authorities of Santa Monica do not reconsider their decision before the end of the year, about 300 representatives of the Armenian community could lose permanent jobs in January 2011, according to Radio Liberty.


/Vesti.az/