Top Lights on San Francisco Taxi Not Working

I had to work a 12 hour shift while my top light which indicates whether I am available or not was not working the whole time. When I questioned the Cab Company they could not do anything because there was no Mechanic available. I wrote the car up for repairs but the night dispatcher released the car on the street anyway. Non functioning top light cut deeply into my revenue last night as a San Francisco Taxi Driver.

In addition Ben out evening dispatcher thought it was necessary to ask me to get out of the car and ring the doorbell of a customer. The issue is that he stated over the air waves that I needed exercise. Part of the dispatch service includes the dispatcher calling out customers for us. San Francisco Taxi Drivers do not have health care and for us to get out and ring the bell increases our chances of getting injured on the job. My understanding of insurance only covers curb to curb.

The whole San Francisco Taxi Industry is amazing being called an independent contractor. I do not understand why the federal government or state government does not help us out. Under workers compensation we are employees.