Taxi unions put strikes on hold as talks continue

THE threat of further taxi strikes receded yesterday after taxi unions achieved progress in talks with the Department of Transport.

Two of the three unions said they did not envisage further action and expressed hope in a department offer to set up an appeals process to decisions made by taxi regulator Ger Deering.

However, a third union said there was still a “50-50” possibility of disruption before the implementation of the regulator’s new reforms on Monday, 25 September.

The unions are in dispute with the reforms, which include an end to airport and baggage charges, as well as new national fare structures.

Taxi unions cancelled a work stoppage planned for yesterday after the Department of Transport said last Tuesday’s meeting could not be held if the stoppage went ahead. All three unions have also called off a work stoppage on Monday.

Two of the unions have effectively ruled out any threats to the Ryder Cup, which is on between Friday and Sunday of next week.

“We’re getting very close to the 25th, I can’t see anything stopping the implementation date,” said Tommy Gorman of the National Taxi Drivers Union.

Mr Gorman said he could not foresee action after that as talks would be ongoing with the Department of Transport on setting up an appeals body.

“I think the department are being serious and honest. You can’t expect them to help us if we threaten industrial action,” he said.

Gerry Brennan, taxi branch secretary with SIPTU, said the Department of Transport had accepted that there needed to be an appeals process under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003.

“I don’t envisage any further action at this point in time. The meeting was positive,” he said.

John Ussher, of the Irish Taxi Drivers’ Federation, said progress had been made but that there was still a possibility of further action.

“The way I’m looking at it, it’s 50-50. All three unions have to meet on Monday and we’ll make a decision,” he said.

He said they hoped, at the very least, to have the appeals process in place before the taxi regulator’s next series of reforms.

He said they also hoped to have another meeting with Mr Deering next week, which is expected to discuss recent recommendations for an early review of the new reforms by the regulator’s Advisory Taxi Council.