pay rises.

And partygoers face a long slog home on Christmas Day as taxi drivers vowed yesterday to strike on the holiday.

Last night Bermuda Taxi Federation secretary Joe Brown said: "Taxis have blockaded the House of Assembly before -- but that wasn't industrial action.

"We have decided not to work on Christmas day -- and a blockade still might take place on Friday.'' And Mr. Brown blamed Government for forcing cabbies to take drastic action over proposed fare increases.

He said: "We were reluctant to take action, period. We don't think it should be necessary.

"We don't want to impinge on the free-flowing movement of anyone -- but the only way we can show Government we mean business is by some form of industrial action.'' The Federation's executive called the strike yesterday afternoon after months of warning Government they had had enough.

And Mr. Brown denied taxi drivers were being irresponsible by possibly increasing the temptation to drink and drive.

He said: "We did think of taking action on New Year's Eve, but we thought that would be carrying it a bit far.

"Most people in Bermuda spend Christmas with their families. We think it's irresponsible of Government not to give us 25 percent.'' The row broke out after cabbies -- who have not had a fares rise in eight years -- demanded a 25 percent increase.

Transport Minster Wayne Furbert responded by postponing any increases and setting up a commission under ex-Premier Sir John Sharpe to examine the fares structure.

But the Federation hit back by boycotting the commission and urging taxi drivers not to return questionnaires sent out by it -- although some ignored the call.

Last month, the commission recommended a 20 percent increase on the base fares, with a review in two years -- and that the 25 percent late night surcharge should be put back from 10 p.m. to midnight.

Mr. Brown said: "It's a blatant disregard for the wishes of the taxi industry. Through negotiation you reach compromise. What Government has done isn't compromise.

"Offering 20 percent and taking away the 10 to midnight surcharge isn't compromising.'' But he admitted taxi drivers might have been prepared to accept a 20 percent increase -- if the late-night charge had been left alone.

"Our members have calculated the cut in the night surcharge will lose every driver $3,000 a year -- and we are already behind.'' Christmas Day strike planned by taxi drivers A leaflet prepared by the Federation says the industry will put on the brakes at 8 a.m. on December 25 and not hit the road again until 8 a.m. on Boxing Day.

Mr. Brown said the action will be supported by taxi dispatchers and taxi dispatching companies across the Island.

And he added that Federation members will be on duty at strategic points to log the numbers of drivers who break ranks and work as usual.

He admitted: "No-one expects a 100 percent response. Taxi drivers are independent individuals. We would like to see 100 percent but there are too many drivers with their own agendas.

"But we expect a lot more than half to take the day off, although it's difficult to predict.'' Mr. Furbert could not be contacted for comment last night.

UNION UNS