decided to join the organisation.

The development comes after several meetings between the Bermuda Taxi Owners Association and the union.

Last night BIU President Derrick Burgess said: "The Bermuda Industrial Union is committed to ensuring the success of the taxi industry but in order to succeed we recognise the need for participation and commitment from all the players -- drivers and owners.

"We are therefore pleased to announce that the Bermuda Taxi Owners Association has recently aligned itself with the union.

"Together we will be working towards resolving contentious issues that have been outstanding for far too long.

"To date, executive officers of BIU taxi division and the BTOA have had several meetings. More recently we met with the Minister of Transport to discuss the more pressing problems within the industry.

"The meeting was positive as the Minister was receptive to our concerns. The Minister has assured us that, under the current Government, all affected parties will be given an opportunity to participate in the decision making process.''