SIPTU is to set up a branch for taxi-drivers. This represents a major departure for the Republic's largest trade union, which hopes to pick up an extra 1,000 members from the initiative. The move comes as the Irish Taxi Federation ballots members on strike action over Government proposals to double the number of taxi plates in Dublin.
SIPTU's Dublin regional secretary for the private sector, Mr Jack Nash, has called a meeting in the National Stadium next Sunday to set up a branch after a similar meeting last weekend attracted 1,000 people.