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Taxi drivers back strike action Taxi drivers back strike action
(about 3 hours later)
Taxi drivers have unanimously voted in favour of taking strike action as a last resort in a dispute with Dundee City Council.Taxi drivers have unanimously voted in favour of taking strike action as a last resort in a dispute with Dundee City Council.
The decision was taken at a mass meeting organised by trades bodies and unions to discuss drivers' concerns.The decision was taken at a mass meeting organised by trades bodies and unions to discuss drivers' concerns.
They include calls for a cap on the number of taxi plates in the city and the provision of more rank spaces.They include calls for a cap on the number of taxi plates in the city and the provision of more rank spaces.
A protest will be held outside the local authority's licensing committee meeting on Thursday.A protest will be held outside the local authority's licensing committee meeting on Thursday.
Hundreds of cab drivers are expected to attend the demonstration, which is set to take place while their grievances are put to the council.Hundreds of cab drivers are expected to attend the demonstration, which is set to take place while their grievances are put to the council.
Road blocks We've got to get our point across. We're complaining and no-one's listening John AlexanderTaxi driver
Dundee East MP Stewart Hosie will meet with officials on behalf of the taxi trade.Dundee East MP Stewart Hosie will meet with officials on behalf of the taxi trade.
He told the BBC Scotland news website: "The drivers have a large number of issues that they want the council to take seriously and look into.He told the BBC Scotland news website: "The drivers have a large number of issues that they want the council to take seriously and look into.
"I am trying to get the council engaged in taxi policy in the city so we have proper provision for the public and the drivers can make a living.""I am trying to get the council engaged in taxi policy in the city so we have proper provision for the public and the drivers can make a living."
Other measures approved by the drivers at Tuesday night's mass meeting included a planned boycott of a night club, peak time road blocks and taking up spaces in long-term car parks. Other measures approved by the drivers at Tuesday night's mass meeting included a planned boycott of a nightclub, peak time road blocks and taking up spaces in long-term car parks.
A further meeting has been called for Tuesday, 9 October to assess the progress made with the council and to decide whether to go ahead with the plans. 'Really struggling'
One taxi driver, who did not want to be named, said he was unlikely to take part in the strike, but thought the threat was justified.
He said: "It's hard at the moment. We're really struggling.
"I virtually have to put in 16 hours a day just to make a living. It's crazy."
John Alexander, who has been driving cabs in Dundee for 18 years, accused the authorities of failing to stop private hire cabs from breaking the terms of their licence.
He said: "We've got to get our point across. We're complaining and no-one's listening.
I have no intention of going on strike and a lot of the guys are the same Brian MarnieTaxi driver
"The only way I could have got a plate was to get a wheelchair accessible taxi and this cost £32,000.
"We're just sitting here while they allow private hire cars to pick up passengers off the street."
However, taxi driver Brian Marnie said many of his colleagues would not be walking out.
He said: "I think some of the guys have a vendetta against one company, particularly the owner.
"I have no intention of going on strike and a lot of the guys are the same."
Another mass meeting has been called for Tuesday, 9 October to assess the progress made with the council and to decide whether to go ahead with the plans.