Taxi drivers to stage airport protest
Taxi drivers have vowed to push ahead with their planned protest at Dublin Airport tomorrow, demanding a right of appeal to decisions by the Taxi Regulator.
Trade union SIPTU said unlike other groups in the workforce, taxi drivers have no method of airing their grievances.
Up to 30 drivers will demonstrate from 7am to 11am at one of the roundabouts outside the airport.
SIPTU branch organiser Jerry Brennan claimed no cars would be used in the protest and they would not be disrupting airport services.
"We apologise for any inconvenience our campaign may cause tomorrow but we have no option open to us if we are to protect members' rights and livelihoods," Mr Brennan said.
The union has been lobbying officials at the Department of Transport to introduce an appeals process and had postponed the protest for three weeks after contact with the all-party Oireachtas Transport committee.
Mr Brennan added: "While we welcome the interest of the Committee it appears that there will be no change in Government policy.
"This leaves our members in the position that, unlike other workers, they have no access to the Rights Commissioner Service, the Labour Relations Commission or the Labour Court."
"We are seeking an independent appeals board that will be able to hear appeals from decisions of the Regulator."
SIPTU members voted 98% in favour of the action during a series of ballots before Christmas.
