Taxi Driver Protests

[Ringo]

*PROTEST* * A protest will take place tomorrow (Fri 20th) from 8am onwards. Two separate convoys of slow-moving vehicles will travel from the Liffey Valley Shopping Centre, and the Airside Retail Park in Swords into Fitzwilliam Square and O’ Connell St. in the city centre. * A separate group of protestors will gather in the vicinity of Parnell Square, O'Connell Street and College Green area. A group of slow-moving vehicles will drive in a continuous convoy up and down O’ Connell St. * Motorists should be aware of possible delays and allow extra time for any journeys. The protest is expected to finish by 2pm.

http://www.aaroadwatch.ie/

Great , just what we need on a Friday. Really winning the public over with these protests

[Dodge]

Thanks for that Ringo, didn't realise this was happening

[pete]

No sign of them on the quays at 9.45.

[Dodge]

No sign of them on the quays at 9.45.

They got there an hour later, having left Liffey Valley at 8am

[Macy]

They got there an hour later, having left Liffey Valley at 8am

It was just the route they took.

[pete]

It was just the route they took.

They probably did not know the directions

[sligoman]

Isn't there a law for driving too slow? Can't the gardai do something about all their 'slow moving vehicles' causing delays?

[Macy]

They probably did not know the directions

I was more thinking they treated it as if they had tourist fare in the back.

[Ringo]

on a serious note

http://www.independent.ie/national-n...e-1679731.html

PLANNED protest by taxi drivers will go ahead today despite widespread public appeals for it to be cancelled -- because it clashes with the Irish Cancer Society's Daffodil Day fundraiser.

Up to 2,500 drivers will take to the streets to demand change in the industry from 8am to 2pm tomorrow, despite a poll by RTE Radio 1's 'Liveline' yesterday, which found that over 6,000 of some 7,000 respondents wanted the protest called off.

Frank Byrne, public relations officer for Taxi Drivers for Change, said the organising committee "didn't realise" the protest clashed with Daffodil Day, adding "it's probably too late to call it off".

Jill Clark, head of fundraising with the Irish Cancer Society said: "If the public is concerned about the strike's impact on Daffodil Day, then the Irish Cancer Society is also concerned."

[Dodge]

Don't think its that relevent tbh. The majority of people in Dublin City centre on a Friday would come in regardless of taxi action.

Came in at normal time this morning, and no major delays...

[Ringo]

Think there was less traffic & the protest stared later than advertised.

[pete]

I was more thinking they treated it as if they had tourist fare in the back.

That would the guys coming from Airside (airport direction)

[Shilts]

If somebody opened up a shop nearby selling the same products as I do who could I complain to? Who would listen if I marched down the street - Nobody would!
Taxi drivers - examine your options - if you are not happy with how much you are earning then come up with another plan like everybody else would have to do. I have enough on my plate trying to make ends meet without having to listen to whingers who want an easy ride. Rant over

[Ringo]

hey , rant away isn't that what boards are for

[John83]

If somebody opened up a shop nearby selling the same products as I do who could I complain to? Who would listen if I marched down the street - Nobody would!

Shop keepers offer their goods at prices mostly independent of government regulation though, so the analogy isn't perfect.

[mypost]

public relations officer for Taxi Drivers for Change, said the organising committee "didn't realise" the protest clashed with Daffodil Day, adding "it's probably too late to call it off".

5 minutes max.

No, the drivers had to earn less public support by holding it on a charity day. Shoot...foot...

[pete]

Taxi organisers call for National Strike

Members of the Taxi Drivers for Change group announced a strike scheduled for April 1 after their demonstration over the deregulation of licensing failed to make much impact on traffic in Dublin.

Gardai had anticipated serious traffic jams as convoys of taximen clogged up the capital's major transport arteries and the roads around Dublin Airport. But the drivers decided to reduce the scale of their protest after being criticised for holding it on the same day as the Daffodil Day campaign.

So they hold a protest on a charity day & now want a strike on April 1st. I doubt a taxi strike will be noticed because they are independent traders & not everyone with obey. Will just mean work for them & the buses.

While taxi fares are regulated it is only a maximum fare. I see ad in the Irish Times last week with large taxi form offering 10% discount on account fares.

[Macy]

If somebody opened up a shop nearby selling the same products as I do who could I complain to? Who would listen if I marched down the street - Nobody would!

Well certain shops are restricted, such as pharmacies. However, I would handle it the same as most of irish retail does - just collude and match price, everyone's a winner except the customer.

[pete]

Taxi Strike today with taxi ranks picketed.

After the poor turnout for previous protest I wonder will backing of most Unions mean more drivers participate.

[Ringo]

Taxi Strike today with taxi ranks picketed.

After the poor turnout for previous protest I wonder will backing of most Unions mean more drivers participate.

Looks very poor, i think the protest is fizzling out. i notice they didn't try & strike on a Saturday night