Irish Taxi Forum

Public Area => Taxi Talk => Topic started by: Rat Catcher on March 28, 2020, 09:54:27 pm

Title: Essential Workers
Post by: Rat Catcher on March 28, 2020, 09:54:27 pm
Please spare a thought and prayer for all of our colleagues/competitors who continue to serve the public in these difficult and dangerous times.... and for all of those courageous workers who are part of the solution. You're not alone:

https://www.rte.ie/news/coronavirus/2020/0328/1127041-list-essential-jobs/ (https://www.rte.ie/news/coronavirus/2020/0328/1127041-list-essential-jobs/)

Government details the full list of 'essential workers'
Updated / Saturday, 28 Mar 2020 21:03

The Government has issued a list of workers who can continue to leave home to go to work amid the latest restrictions.

Here is the full breakdown of jobs that the Government says are considered to be essential:

Agriculture and Fishing

farmers
farm labourers
farm relief service workers
others involved directly or indirectly in crop and animal production and related activities (including veterinary services) and workers involved in fishing.

Manufacturing

the manufacture of food and beverage products
the manufacture of prepared animal feeds
the manufacture of work-wear apparel or footwear
the manufacture of pulp, paper and paperboard and wood
the printing and reproduction of newspapers and other media services
the manufacturing of coke and refined petroleum products
the manufacturing of alumina; chemicals and chemical products
the manufacture of pharmaceutical products and pharmaceutical preparations
the manufacture of products necessary for the supply chain of essential services; computer, electronic and optical products including semi-conductors; electrical equipment, machinery and other equipment (including agricultural and forestry machinery); medical devices; and medical and dental equipment and supplies.

Repair and installation of Machinery and Equipment

the supply, repair and installation of machinery and equipment and industrial machinery and equipment for essential services
electricity, gas and water
electric power generation, transmission and distribution
extraction and distribution of gas
water collection, treatment and supply
sewerage; waste collection, remediation activities and other waste management treatment and disposal activities.

Construction

essential health and related projects relevant to the Covid-19 crisis, and supplies necessary for such projects
repair/construction of critical road and utility infrastructure
delivery of emergency services to businesses and homes on an emergency call-out basis in areas such as electrical, plumbing, glazing and roofing.

Wholesale and Retail Trade

retail services in accordance with the separate "Updated Essential Retail Outlets" list;
wholesale and distribution services necessary for the sale of food, beverages, fuel, medicines, medical products and devices and essential household products; takeaways and food delivery services.

Transport Storage and Communication

land transport (e.g. bus, rail and taxi services)
road, rail, sea and air freight
sea and air passenger services; ports and airports
warehousing and support activities for transportation including cargo-handling; postal and courier activities; network control and critical maintenance (including roads), and safety-related functions.

Accommodation and Food Services

hotels or similar providing essential accommodation (including homeless, direct provision and related services)
food and beverage service activities in accordance with the separate the essential retail outlets list list or for supply to a business engaged in an essential service.

Information and Communications

the publishing of newspapers, journals and periodicals as well as video, television programme production, sound recording, radio and television broadcasting; wired and satellite and telecommunications activities; internet and cloud providers; data centres and related services.
Financial and legal activities
banking and financial services (including banks, credit unions and post offices)
accountancy, legal and insurance services necessary to support essential services and vulnerable people.

Professional, Scientific and Technical activities

engineering, technical testing activities and analysis
scientific research and development activities
regulation, inspection and certification services necessary to support essential services.

Rental and Leasing activities

rental and lease of cars
light motor vehicles and trucks necessary to support the provision of essential services.

Administrative and Support Services

where necessary to support other essential services
employment placement and human resources associated with the recruitment and deployment of workers
security activities to assist in the delivery of essential services and the securing of premises closed to the public
cleaning of buildings and industrial cleaning activities; business support activities which are necessary to support essential services included on this list; payroll and payment services necessary for the operation of businesses; data processing, hosting and related activities.

Public Administration and Defence

public administration activities necessary to support essential services and provision of social protection benefits (including civil service and local government)
An Garda Síochána, garda staff and the Garda Reserve
public order, safety, fire service and ambulance activities
the Defence Forces
emergency call answering service to ensure administration of justice
Prison services and child detention services
cyber-security
regulatory processes and certification required to ensure supply chains, food, medicine and general process safety
operation of botanical gardens, parks, forests and nature reserves
funeral services
religious personnel
office-holders and public representatives.

Human Health and Social Work activities

hospital services
paramedical and essential therapy activities
public health activities (including all those deployed to contract tracing and Covid-19 testing services)
laboratory services
drug treatment and addiction services
hospice services
pharmacy services
primary care, general and specialist medical practice activities provided by public and private providers
emergency dental practice activities
blood donation service
residential care activities (including nursing care, mental health and substance abuse, elderly and persons with disabilities, children's residential services)
homecare home help and other community services
social work and social care activities (including disability services, mental health, child protection and welfare, domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, homeless services including outreach)
ambulance/pre-hospital emergency care services
minor injury units
maternity services
health, social work, environmental, food safety regulatory activities.

Community/Voluntary Services

community and voluntary workers, working in a publicly commissioned service, not otherwise included on the list, deployed to assist in the delivery of essential services
*volunteer services operating under the local authority emergency management framework in accordance with public health guidance.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Dr. Martin Gooter Bling on March 28, 2020, 10:56:35 pm
Schindler's List - Essential Workers (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDo6eHyeI8E&t=0m0s#)
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Horse on March 28, 2020, 10:58:47 pm
https://youtu.be/TDo6eHyeI8E
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Horse on March 28, 2020, 11:01:50 pm
Beat me to it doc!
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: john m on March 28, 2020, 11:19:31 pm
https://youtu.be/TDo6eHyeI8E

Did he wash his hands and clean his tools after every job .
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Octavia1 on March 28, 2020, 11:38:22 pm
The expendable masses ....funny but the blokes who write this shite live in ivory towers ....with huge salaries, massive pensions   and exclusive top of the list health care if they succumb to the virus.......
Mad world we live in ......full of fools an cute cnuts...an nobody in between
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Theoneandonly on March 29, 2020, 11:21:11 am
The expendable masses ....funny but the blokes who write this shite live in ivory towers ....with huge salaries, massive pensions   and exclusive top of the list health care if they succumb to the virus.......
Mad world we live in ......full of fools an cute cnuts...an nobody in between

Why don't you in solidarity with these set upon workers not eat for the next 12 weeks and reject any help from the medical profession while your at it?
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Horse on March 29, 2020, 11:52:11 am
The expendable masses ....funny but the blokes who write this shite live in ivory towers ....with huge salaries, massive pensions   and exclusive top of the list health care if they succumb to the virus.......
Mad world we live in ......full of fools an cute cnuts...an nobody in between

Which one are you then, a fool or a cute cnut? I must be a cute cnut, then again I could be just a fool.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Rat Catcher on March 29, 2020, 12:36:12 pm
Do you believe Charle and Boris really got it, Octy?
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: john m on March 29, 2020, 12:39:36 pm
Do you believe Charle and Boris really got it, Octy?

Do you recon its just motivating the zombies to believe everybody is in this togeather .We are all equal and that sort of stuff .Nodger in Liverpool dosent know what a tracker mortgage is or a quail egg .
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: silverbullet on March 29, 2020, 05:06:35 pm
As a token gesture we should leave a space on the rank where their cars would be had they not died of the Corona virus.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Rat Catcher on March 29, 2020, 05:25:03 pm
To be fair, Mick has been missing from the ranks for quite some time... missing and missed, I might add. Was Billy working during during Social distancing and, if so, did he follow HSE/Free Now/NTA guidelines?
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: silverbullet on March 29, 2020, 06:45:30 pm
To be fair, Mick has been missing from the ranks for quite some time... missing and missed, I might add. Was Billy working during during Social distancing and, if so, did he follow HSE/Free Now/NTA guidelines?
I was referring to drivers working over the last two weeks and not to Billy or Mick.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: john m on March 29, 2020, 06:46:25 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4_FVE438nI&fbclid=IwAR3SrYd6UF_f51AGuK8XrgtKbnB5VmRunq4dJCGYpZq_gLZ1oS5VbxoJXoU (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4_FVE438nI&fbclid=IwAR3SrYd6UF_f51AGuK8XrgtKbnB5VmRunq4dJCGYpZq_gLZ1oS5VbxoJXoU)
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: john m on March 29, 2020, 06:47:55 pm
To be fair, Mick has been missing from the ranks for quite some time... missing and missed, I might add. Was Billy working during during Social distancing and, if so, did he follow HSE/Free Now/NTA guidelines?

Guidelines Rodent and instructions thats what the German soldiers said after they roasted kids in ovens .I was following orders .Its no defence for stupidity
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: dalymount on March 29, 2020, 06:53:17 pm
Careful John,you'll only start the oneandonly off again
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Theoneandonly on March 29, 2020, 07:07:15 pm
To be fair, Mick has been missing from the ranks for quite some time... missing and missed, I might add. Was Billy working during during Social distancing and, if so, did he follow HSE/Free Now/NTA guidelines?

Guidelines Rodent and instructions thats what the German soldiers said after they roasted kids in ovens .I was following orders .Its no defence for stupidity

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godwin%27s_law

Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Rat Catcher on March 29, 2020, 07:09:14 pm
The last thing those who are providing an essential service need to do is defend themselves. I, for one, greatly appreciate their selfless contribution.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Horse on March 29, 2020, 07:18:25 pm
You're having a giraffe aren't ye
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Rat Catcher on March 29, 2020, 07:19:22 pm
No, I am not. If I wasn't a smoker (and hence at risk) I would be out helping them.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: dalymount on March 29, 2020, 07:20:11 pm
Nah he is just trying to wind some of us up
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Horse on March 29, 2020, 07:20:59 pm
Helping them? To do what? Spread that gick around even quicker?  You have to be having a chuckle.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Rat Catcher on March 29, 2020, 07:23:22 pm
Govt's objective is to spread it at a controlled rate. Helping them transport other essential workers - workers we all rely on and I hope we all appreciate - and others who need to get from A to B within the confines of applicable restrictions.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Theoneandonly on March 29, 2020, 07:29:16 pm
I absolutely feel guilty for not having the cahunas to provide the necessary service and greedy for accepting the free money rather than going out and earning it, those drivers that are out there are both brave and generous to a fault, also if by chance any of them succumb to the virus and possibly die, plaques recognising their courage should be placed at a rank closest to their home
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Rat Catcher on March 29, 2020, 07:30:24 pm
+1.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Horse on March 29, 2020, 07:30:45 pm
Unless I was driving a big fcuking van there is no way I'd be out working. Infact,  someone should get onto the nta and te them that all but the largest Van's should be taking off the road. Saloons should get the boot till this is over. If you wanna be a greedy cnut and yes its greed, nothing to do with "helping", just remember it's not only your life your gambling with but also any poor cnut who gets in your car. If you weren't a smoker and you felt the need to "help", would you do the fares for free? You would in your bollox, crazy man.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: dalymount on March 29, 2020, 07:31:27 pm
Id say you could count on one hand the number of health workers which have been transported by these drivers in recent weeks.also if they have undying love for our brave health workers ,then why dont either not charge the fare as a gesture,or donate the fares to charity.Kearns done the same thing recently in a newpaper interview he said maybe he should close his doors ,but then went down the super hero road saying he was staying open to help the war effort.what a load of bollox .taxis are about as much of an essential service as me going to the chipper
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Rat Catcher on March 29, 2020, 07:33:46 pm
No all essential workers are healthcare workers. Supermarkets, garages, takeaways, etc are all required. Also, people need to shop for groceries and may need to travel to look after vulnerable relatives or to attend family funerals. Yes, I think I would drive them FOC in the circumstances, Horse... or for a token fare to maintain the legalities.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Horse on March 29, 2020, 07:33:51 pm
.taxis are about as much of an essential service as me going to the chipper

+1
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Horse on March 29, 2020, 07:35:19 pm
No all essential workers are healthcare workers. Supermarkets, garages, takeaways, etc are all required. Yes, I think I would drive them FOC in the circumstances, Horse... or for a token fare to maintain the legalities.

Now I know it's a wind up. You bored or something?
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Rat Catcher on March 29, 2020, 07:38:35 pm
I am bored but I'm not winding anyone up... or joining the keyboard warriors who are happy to criticise those who are part of the solution while they, themselves, contribute to the problem.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Shallowhal on March 29, 2020, 07:41:54 pm
No all essential workers are healthcare workers. Supermarkets, garages, takeaways, etc are all required. Yes, I think I would drive them FOC in the circumstances, Horse... or for a token fare to maintain the legalities.

Now I know it's a wind up. You bored or something?

Only needs one hand to scratch his bollox!!
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Horse on March 29, 2020, 07:43:03 pm
I think you have your wires crossed there. Those who stay at home, as instructed,  are helping. Those who choose to ignore this plea from the government are contributing,  significantly,  to the problem.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: dalymount on March 29, 2020, 07:44:52 pm
How the fukk can you say the abstensionists  are contributing to the problem.are we out there desease spreading ffs
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Horse on March 29, 2020, 07:45:01 pm
And under the ridiculous guise that they're "helping". If not greedy then they are at least be wholly irresponsible.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Horse on March 29, 2020, 07:45:49 pm
But let's face it, its greed.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Rat Catcher on March 29, 2020, 07:46:25 pm
In my case I've been to supermarkets, hardware shops, etc... SB spent the first two weeks going out to look at men working. Hal went to the chipper. Govt has defined Essential Workers and taxi drivers are included in that definition so those that are working are complying with instructions and helping to keep us all alive.

I don't accept it's greed. Nobody needs money right now, ya can't spend it FFS!
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: watty on March 29, 2020, 07:49:07 pm
Re transporting healthcare workers...
I can't find a link but I think a good % of the positive tests are from healthcare workers.  I'm open to correction but I think it was 20% (or 1 in 5 positive tests were HC workers).  It might have been even higher? Remember the russian roulette scene from The Deer Hunter movie (you had a 1 in 6 chance of shooting yourself in the head).  Obviously not all taxi passengers will be health care workers but...

I'm not a gambling person but those odds don't sound too good to me?
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Horse on March 29, 2020, 07:50:21 pm
I've seen taxis out working while walking my dog. In most cases they're saloon cars driven by drivers with no protection on wwhatsoever.How fcuked up and dangerous and GREEDY is that?
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: dublin2018 on March 29, 2020, 07:52:31 pm
I've seen taxis out working while walking my dog. In most cases they're saloon cars driven by drivers with no protection on wwhatsoever.How fcuked up and dangerous and GREEDY is that?
What nationality
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Rat Catcher on March 29, 2020, 07:52:44 pm
They're not good odds. The men taking the risk know that and that is why they deserve our respect and certainly don't deserve to be ridiculed by a bunch of cowards hiding behind keyboards.

However, I do think NTA should advise against those who are defined as "at risk" working and that they should advise those who are putting their shoulder to the wheel to wear masks.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Horse on March 29, 2020, 07:53:37 pm
I've seen taxis out working while walking my dog. In most cases they're saloon cars driven by drivers with no protection on wwhatsoever.How fcuked up and dangerous and GREEDY is that?
What nationality

All.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Rat Catcher on March 29, 2020, 07:54:16 pm
What nationality

The lads working in the beautiful seaside resort town of Balbriggan are all Irish. On the rank SB calls the rehab rank (Northside SC) they are all Irish. Swords is about 98% Irish.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Horse on March 29, 2020, 07:55:22 pm
Cash should be banned everywhere for starters. See how many taxis work then.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: dalymount on March 29, 2020, 07:56:35 pm
Your wasting your time horse,he just has a view point,and he wont admit they are greedy selfish fukkers,who,by there actions are helping to prolong a dangerous situation
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Rat Catcher on March 29, 2020, 07:57:23 pm
I've seen taxis out working while walking my dog. In most cases they're saloon cars driven by drivers with no protection on wwhatsoever.How fcuked up and dangerous and GREEDY is that?

Masks are only recommended by HSE if you are sick. However, it takes up to 14 days for symptoms so how can anyone know if they are sick or not? Gloves are less effective than diligent hand hygiene. All workers should have access to alcohol based sanitisers.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Rat Catcher on March 29, 2020, 07:58:42 pm
Cash should be banned everywhere for starters. See how many taxis work then.

I agree. While cash isn't included on the list of obvious dangers published by HSE we all know it's filthy at the best of times. Also, all fares should be arranged through a licensed dispatch operator.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Rat Catcher on March 29, 2020, 08:01:17 pm
Your wasting your time horse,he just has a view point,and he wont admit they are greedy selfish fukkers,who,by there actions are helping to prolong a dangerous situation

Of course they are helping tp prolong the situation. That's the objective. The slower the spread the better the chance of more effective treatments being developed and the easier it is for HSE front line services to cope.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Horse on March 29, 2020, 08:01:24 pm
All workers should have access to alcohol,  that bit I agree on, as they put their keys in the drawer and skull a few beers and not be greedy, irresponsible,  reckless jackasses spreading gick around.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Rat Catcher on March 29, 2020, 08:05:06 pm
Govt policy is to slow the spread. It has defined essential workers in line with that policy. Those who answer the call deserve our respect... It's as simple as that in my mind.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Tony on March 29, 2020, 08:09:37 pm
Yisser feeding a bear horse an co.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Horse on March 29, 2020, 08:11:26 pm
As someone else said, we're about as essential as a dung beetle in a herd of elephants.  Dont over estimate your importance. 
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Rat Catcher on March 29, 2020, 08:14:10 pm
There's far cleverer men than you and I charged with that decision. Let them do their job. The only people looking for taxis are other essential workers and those who need to get from A to B in accordance with pretty strict restrictions.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: dalymount on March 29, 2020, 08:15:16 pm
Slow the spread ,because they cant STOP it ffs
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: watty on March 29, 2020, 08:18:18 pm
Govt policy is to slow the spread. It has defined essential workers in line with that policy. Those who answer the call deserve our respect... It's as simple as that in my mind.
I agree with you mostly that *some* people will need taxis so there is a need for *some* taxis.  But we are kinda a luxury - you can walk, cycle, drive, bus, train to your destination before you need a taxi.  We're at the luxury end of the travelling spectrum.

Maybe the NTA should mandate that drivers who want to work should self-diagnose themselves (take their temperature or something & log it) before they go to work.  Afterall, a sick driver is a perfect vector to keep this virus spreading.  Penalties/Fines for those who keep working while sick?


I always bought into the PS part of the PSV licence so I always gave the elderly extra time for a chat etc.  But now... For Me? I tick 1 or 2 of the boxes that makes me high-risk if I get it.  And there's a 70yr+ living in my house so I'd worry about bringing it back into the house.  Better safe than sorry.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Rat Catcher on March 29, 2020, 08:23:00 pm
I'd go along with that. A swab at the start of every shift makes perfect sense. However, I have to admit I might pretend to be starting a shift to get a swab myself and I reckon others who have been out shopping or ordering pints online or whatever might do the same.

I also agree that "at risk" drivers should be excused essential worker status. As it stands we can excuse ourselves so maybe excluded would be more appropriate?
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Horse on March 29, 2020, 08:24:13 pm
There's far cleverer men than you and I charged with that decision. Let them do their job. The only people looking for taxis are other essential workers and those who need to get from A to B in accordance with pretty strict restrictions.

Doctors and nurses and firemen and police, etc etc etc are essential workers. Taxi drivers are about as essential as a shite floating down the liffey,  period.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Rat Catcher on March 29, 2020, 08:25:26 pm
Slow the spread ,because they cant STOP it ffs

Correct. They knew that from day one hence the controlled spread. If they wanted to stop it everyone would be indoors with food parcels delivered by suitably equipped personnel. 
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Horse on March 29, 2020, 08:27:03 pm
Slow the spread ,because they cant STOP it ffs

Correct. They knew that from day one hence the controlled spread. If they wanted to stop it everyone would be indoors with food parcels delivered by suitably equipped personnel.

Controlled spread? You my friend are a fcuking fruitcake
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Rat Catcher on March 29, 2020, 08:27:38 pm
Doctors and nurses and firemen and police, etc etc etc are essential workers. Taxi drivers are about as essential as a shite floating down the liffey,  period.

As are supermarket workers, petrol station workers, pilots, etc, etc, etc... and they need to get to and from work safely. Like I said there's far cleverer men than you and I charge with making those decisions. Let them do their job and obey their instructions.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Rat Catcher on March 29, 2020, 08:29:35 pm
Controlled spread? You my friend are a fcuking fruitcake

That's what it is. The authorities have never voiced any desire to stop the spread, the objective has always been to slow it in a controlled manner.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Horse on March 29, 2020, 08:30:07 pm
I agree, essential travel only, stay indoors,  not be further than 2km from your gaf, all of which is ignored by these "essential " workers.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Theoneandonly on March 29, 2020, 08:30:15 pm
Govt policy is to slow the spread. It has defined essential workers in line with that policy. Those who answer the call deserve our respect... It's as simple as that in my mind.
I agree with you mostly that *some* people will need taxis so there is a need for *some* taxis.  But we are kinda a luxury - you can walk, cycle, drive, bus, train to your destination before you need a taxi.  We're at the luxury end of the travelling spectrum.



You don't seem to realise what taxis are for, we are not a luxury we are a necessity and we fill an essential need.
If you have no access either permanently or temporarily to a vehicle and need to get from point a to point b, often the only method of completing the journey is by Taxi, I cannot believe how many TAXI DRIVERS underestimate our value to society, you must all be very embarrassed asking for the fare.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Horse on March 29, 2020, 08:33:47 pm
As I said, all but the largest of vehicles should be put off the road as taxis, the reason, too risky, impossible to implement social distancing. Peoples lives should be more important than peoples wages.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: dalymount on March 29, 2020, 08:34:46 pm
Nobody underestimates our value to the taxi industry more then our governing body the NTA
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Rat Catcher on March 29, 2020, 08:37:34 pm
To be fair, NTA are being very good to us at the moment. You can even suspend your licence if you want.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: watty on March 29, 2020, 08:44:48 pm
Govt policy is to slow the spread. It has defined essential workers in line with that policy. Those who answer the call deserve our respect... It's as simple as that in my mind.
I agree with you mostly that *some* people will need taxis so there is a need for *some* taxis.  But we are kinda a luxury - you can walk, cycle, drive, bus, train to your destination before you need a taxi.  We're at the luxury end of the travelling spectrum.



You don't seem to realise what taxis are for, we are not a luxury we are a necessity and we fill an essential need.
If you have no access either permanently or temporarily to a vehicle and need to get from point a to point b, often the only method of completing the journey is by Taxi, I cannot believe how many TAXI DRIVERS underestimate our value to society, you must all be very embarrassed asking for the fare.
Did your income stay steady when the economy tanked in 2008-->

Hence why I said *some*.  I work days.  Amongst other things, I drive mothers & their child to school in the mornings.  The mother is often in pyjamas while the child is in school uniform.  Driving your kid to school in a taxi is a luxury.  (I could give you other examples)

If I went out to work tomorrow daytime in my area (assuming I got any work in a lockdown) it would be 90% drug-related.  I'm not gonna risk my health/life for that.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Rat Catcher on March 29, 2020, 08:58:04 pm
With current restrictions there isn't any luxury travel left. Should the pilots who just finished a 24 hour shift to collect Chinese masks have to drive themselves home or cycle? Should the petrol station manager who's just finished a 12 hour shift have to walk home? Should the old and infirm have to carry their shopping home on their backs? etc, etc, etc?
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: dalymount on March 29, 2020, 09:00:55 pm
Yes yes,and yes
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Horse on March 29, 2020, 09:02:21 pm
In most cases family members could look after those scenarios
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Horse on March 29, 2020, 09:03:42 pm
You cant defend greed rats, it's just not possible.  Like social distancing in a car, not possible.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Rat Catcher on March 29, 2020, 09:07:22 pm
HSE published 6 suggestions for social distancing. The one being fed to the media is the one that allows supermarkets stay open i.e. physical distancing. Of the other 5 taxis could implement 3 and supermarkets 2. The authorities know what they are doing. They have designated taximen as essential workers. That is the advice people should be following.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: john m on March 29, 2020, 09:07:27 pm
So tell us Rodent are you still providing a service ?
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Rat Catcher on March 29, 2020, 09:09:57 pm
No. As a smoker I'm in the "at risk" category. I'm as much a part of the problem as anyone else but I refuse to ridicule those colleagues/competitors who are part of the solution. They deserve our respect and they have mine.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Horse on March 29, 2020, 09:10:10 pm
No hes not coz hes afraid,  sorry, a smoker.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: dalymount on March 29, 2020, 09:10:43 pm
Yes hes working on behalf of Ebbs,Kelly,and Kearns in wanting to keep the show on the road
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Rat Catcher on March 29, 2020, 09:12:37 pm
I'm not working on anybody's behalf but I do think all fares should be booked through licensed dispatch firms in current circumstances to aid contact tracing.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Horse on March 29, 2020, 09:12:45 pm
I'd respect them too, if they drove Van's, wore protective materials and did not accept cash. Sadly 99% of those "helping" do not follow any of these quite simple and effective guidelines.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Rat Catcher on March 29, 2020, 09:16:13 pm
HSE don't rate masks or gloves. Screens are widely available, maybe they could be advised.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: dalymount on March 29, 2020, 09:17:03 pm
There I told yis he was working for them,especially his buddy in swords
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Rat Catcher on March 29, 2020, 09:17:50 pm
I'm not working for anybody but I do think all fares should be booked through licensed dispatch firms in current circumstances to aid contact tracing.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Horse on March 29, 2020, 09:19:18 pm
HSE don't rate masks or gloves.

Put it this way rats. My mother is 81 years old. Theres not a chance in hell I'd let her in a car with a stranger who's been driving other strangers around all day in the middle of a global pandemic that's killing thousands.  Would you put your ma in one?
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: dalymount on March 29, 2020, 09:20:03 pm
Will ya stop ffs how much is Kelly paying ya ?
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Rat Catcher on March 29, 2020, 09:21:44 pm
That's your choice, Horse. The service is there, nobody has said you have to use it.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Horse on March 29, 2020, 09:24:23 pm
That's my point.  The service should not be there because its putting lives at risk, period.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Horse on March 29, 2020, 09:25:20 pm
And you didn't answer the question
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Rat Catcher on March 29, 2020, 09:26:56 pm
It's an essential service... hence it is saving lives. Like I said, there's far cleverer men than you and I to make such determinations.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: dalymount on March 29, 2020, 09:27:03 pm
Rat is shit stirring .he no more believes what he is saying then I do
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Horse on March 29, 2020, 09:29:18 pm
Starting yo look that w
Rat is shit stirring .he no more believes what he is saying then I do

Starting to look that way alright.  The man has more gick coming out of him than the taxis he's trying to defend.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Rat Catcher on March 29, 2020, 09:30:16 pm
I believe our colleagues/competitors who are providing a service deserve our respect and i refuse to abuse and ridicule them for doing so. However, I imagine they are looking to Govt for direction so the musings of a handful of cowards hiding behind keyboards are probably of far less consequence that even I imagine.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Horse on March 29, 2020, 09:31:26 pm
But youd also not allow your ma use them for fear of her dying, no?
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: dalymount on March 29, 2020, 09:35:17 pm
They are looking for direction from govt ? The only direction they should get is when the revenue catch up with you greedy cunts,your gonna loose your licences
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Rat Catcher on March 29, 2020, 09:37:05 pm
Why would they lose their licences?
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: dalymount on March 29, 2020, 09:39:05 pm
For claiming 350 a week,from the social while working as well.and dont tell me these greedy cunts are not claiming it
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Rat Catcher on March 29, 2020, 09:42:53 pm
Have you any evidence that they are? They should be given the €350 anyway - as should all essential workers.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: dalymount on March 29, 2020, 09:45:44 pm
Told tis he was winding us up
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Horse on March 29, 2020, 09:48:13 pm
HSE don't rate masks or gloves.
Would you put your ma in one?

Didn't think so
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Rat Catcher on March 29, 2020, 09:50:13 pm
I'm not, DM. Why shouldn't they get it... they must be struggling to make a profit in the current economic climate. However, there are people who are too proud to take handouts. How often have you heard self-righteous millionaires sat they'd drive a cab before they'd take welfare? No doubt there's some youngsters driving cabs who think they'll be that self-righteous millionaire one day and they'll be able to recount the time they did drive a cab instead of taking charity.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: dalymount on March 29, 2020, 09:52:59 pm
Rat I must confess ,you've worn me down .I give up .im going back to watching da telly
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Belker on March 30, 2020, 02:03:41 pm
I absolutely feel guilty for not having the cahunas to provide the necessary service and greedy for accepting the free money rather than going out and earning it, those drivers that are out there are both brave and generous to a fault, also if by chance any of them succumb to the virus and possibly die, plaques recognising their courage should be placed at a rank closest to their home
Well said Martin, I totally agree.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Tony on March 30, 2020, 02:18:35 pm
I absolutely feel guilty for not having the cahunas to provide the necessary service and greedy for accepting the free money rather than going out and earning it, those drivers that are out there are both brave and generous to a fault, also if by chance any of them succumb to the virus and possibly die, plaques recognising their courage should be placed at a rank closest to their home
Well said Martin, I totally agree.

Good idea, so we could all remember the fucking idiots that though they were heroes
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: silverbullet on March 30, 2020, 02:25:08 pm
I absolutely feel guilty for not having the cahunas to provide the necessary service and greedy for accepting the free money rather than going out and earning it, those drivers that are out there are both brave and generous to a fault, also if by chance any of them succumb to the virus and possibly die, plaques recognising their courage should be placed at a rank closest to their home
Well said Martin, I totally agree.

Good idea, so we could all remember the fucking idiots that though they were heroes
Don't risk a relative getting sick, call a taxi driver:
https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/health-news/coronavirus-ireland-positive-covid-19-21779100 (https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/health-news/coronavirus-ireland-positive-covid-19-21779100)

Sent via @updayIE
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Belker on March 30, 2020, 02:45:16 pm
I have read all of this thread and their is merit on all sides.

Horses comments about Greed are a tad over stretched but not totally wrong.
Rats comments about them being Hero's is also pushing the boat out a bit but again not too far wrong.

Maybe the truth lies somewhere in the middle ?

DM's comments about them claiming the 350 and still working is worrying but highly likely.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Horse on March 30, 2020, 02:57:55 pm
But you'd have to agree ken chances are it's more of a personal gain thing (greed) than going out and doing one for the community (hero) therefore one has to conclude that its greed driving these people into their cars therefore it's not somewhere in the middle.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: silverbullet on March 30, 2020, 03:03:44 pm
But you'd have to agree ken chances are it's more of a personal gain thing (greed) than going out and doing one for the community (hero) therefore one has to conclude that its greed driving these people into their cars therefore it's not somewhere in the middle.
Maybe it's simply debt?
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Belker on March 30, 2020, 03:12:02 pm
You tend to judge everybody by your own circumstances Horse.
I was really pissed off with you last Christmas when you called any driver working on Christmas day a Bollix or whatever.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Octavia1 on March 30, 2020, 03:19:35 pm
You tend to judge everybody by your own circumstances Horse.
I was really pissed off with you last Christmas when you called any driver working on Christmas day a Bollix or whatever.
Not everyone has a family unit around them, fer some the only chance of person to person contact on Christmas day was to go to work, but you didn't see that at all, you just called them all Hungry Bollix's.
Not everyone has your happy family situation with misses and kids in situe, so don't be judging others on what you luckily have.

I got a buzz out of making 200 in 4 hours Christmas nite .....wanted to see what it was like to be a licky lackey for a day ....
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Horse on March 30, 2020, 03:20:43 pm
Ok, sorry about that one ken but the greed over hero thing stands. Anyone claiming to be doing it for debt is more than likely telling porkies.  Most debts have gone all hold. Unless it's for the local loan shark or something.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Shallowhal on March 30, 2020, 03:24:28 pm
I'd say Ken is the local loan shark!!
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Horse on March 30, 2020, 03:25:14 pm
Ha, good one hal.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Horse on March 30, 2020, 03:34:49 pm
You tend to judge everybody by your own circumstances Horse.
I was really pissed off with you last Christmas when you called any driver working on Christmas day a Bollix or whatever.
Not everyone has a family unit around them, fer some the only chance of person to person contact on Christmas day was to go to work, but you didn't see that at all, you just called them all Hungry Bollix's.
Not everyone has your happy family situation with misses and kids in situe, so don't be judging others on what you luckily have.

I got a buzz out of making 200 in 4 hours Christmas nite .....wanted to see what it was like to be a licky lackey for a day ....

You dont have to have a wife and kids to take Christmas day off either. You could have parents,  brothers,  sisters,  nephews,  nieces,  aunties,  uncles,  grandparents,  grandchildren any one of which you could go visit on this one fooking day of the year when everyone should be with family or friends.  Family doesn't have to be a wife and kids, it can be any or all of the above mentioned.  But sure fire away, it is tarrif 3 after all,  which makes it totally worth it. Not.
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Tony on March 30, 2020, 03:43:21 pm
You tend to judge everybody by your own circumstances Horse.
I was really pissed off with you last Christmas when you called any driver working on Christmas day a Bollix or whatever.
Not everyone has a family unit around them, fer some the only chance of person to person contact on Christmas day was to go to work, but you didn't see that at all, you just called them all Hungry Bollix's.
Not everyone has your happy family situation with misses and kids in situe, so don't be judging others on what you luckily have.

I got a buzz out of making 200 in 4 hours Christmas nite .....wanted to see what it was like to be a licky lackey for a day ....

You dont have to have a wife and kids to take Christmas day off either. You could have parents,  brothers,  sisters,  nephews,  nieces,  aunties,  uncles,  grandparents,  grandchildren any one of which you could go visit on this one fooking day of the year when everyone should be with family or friends.  Family doesn't have to be a wife and kids, it can be any or all of the above mentioned.  But sure fire away, it is tarrif 3 after all,  which makes it totally worth it. Not.

Agree 100% everybody could do a visit but not everyone has transport
Title: Re: Essential Workers
Post by: Horse on March 30, 2020, 03:45:48 pm
Here here T bone