Imran Abdur Rahman (far left) and Joseph Lordan (far right) of law firm O’Hagan Meyer led a wage and labor seminar for CGTRG co-founders (L to R) Mo Garkani, Mark Stewart, and Jack Nissim
On October 2, the California Ground Transportation Regulatory Group (CGTRG) held its inaugural Wage and Hour Labor Seminar, featuring speakers Joseph Lordan and Imran Abdur Rahman of law firm O’Hagan Meyer at their Newport Beach office. In the first of several planned member sessions, this seminar covered a variety of essential topics including compensable time and overtime, expense reimbursement, gratuities, independent contractor vs. employee classifications, TNCs, meal and rest periods, and compliant pay statements.
A year after its founding, the advocacy and education organization is off to a strong start. Founded by Mo Garkani of The COTS Group and industry veterans Jack Nissim and Mark Stewart in 2023, CGTRG unites California's regulatory agencies, including the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), California Highway Patrol, and California regional airports, with state legislators, chauffeured transportation companies, industry leaders, and experts.
CGTRG co-founder Mo Garkani with LAX Ground Transportation-Landside Manager Renee Gonzalez
As part of its ongoing pledge for open communications between the industry and transportation officials, CGTRG met with LAX Ground Transportation-Landside Manager Renee Gonzalez regarding the ongoing status of permitted ground transportation providers and other key updates on airport operations.
To cap off a busy month, the group also met with Supervisors of Field and Airport Enforcement Rahmon Momoh and Eric Hooks, Consumer Protection and Enforcement Division Program and Project Supervisor Maria Solis, as well as CPUC Transportation Enforcement Chief Ken Bruno and Supervisor of Licensing Cody Naylor. According to the organization, ongoing dialogue remains a key step in advancing their shared goals of fostering a safer and more compliant environment for California’s ground transportation industry.
Looking ahead, CGTRG has expressed support for Draft Resolution M-4873, which is expected to lower passenger carrier operators PUCTRA fees from the current rate of 0.003 to 0.001 for 2025. The resolution is currently on the agenda for the December 18 meeting of the CPUC. California operators interested in the text of the resolution can email info@cgtrg.org for a copy.
Operators interested in joining CRTRG or signing up for their newsletter can visit cgtrg.org for more information.
[11.05.24]