Taxi men urged to vote to leave Siptu

The 2,000 members of the taxi branch of Siptu will be asked in the coming month to vote in favour of leaving the union.

Jerry Brennan, secretary of the branch, confirmed yesterday that ballot papers would be sent to every member in the next month on plans to become affiliate members rather that full members of the union.

He said it would make almost no difference to members, and described it as necessary but "just a technical change of status."

The main reason for the dis-affiliation from the union is the self-employed status of taxi-drivers, which causes problems for Siptu representing them under the 1990 Industrial Relations Act.

"The Act is written for and about employed people," said Mr Brennan, adding that difficulties for Siptu also arose out of competition legislation from Brussels.

In a memo to the taxi branch last week from the office of Siptu vice-president Brendan Hayes, the headings of a proposed "service-level agreement between Siptu and the Transport Operators' Association" are set out.

It says Siptu "will nominate a senior official to assist the association in its dealings with the institutions of the State, and with other commercial bodies as part of the affiliation agreement".

While it notes that the association does not intend applying for a negotiating licence under the Trade Unions Acts, "this matter will be kept under review, and Siptu will support the association should it wish to make an application to the registrar".

It says the new association will be charged for office facilities and computer equipment being used in the branch and pay an "affiliation fee" to Siptu.

It also suggests that the association may have to leave Liberty Hall.