Taxi drivers yesterday refused to do a U-turn on Christmas Day strike action.

And they said they would go ahead with a campaign of wildcat industrial action -- unless they got a guarantee that two axed hours from the late-night surcharge period were restored.

Senate on Wednesday rubber-stamped a 20 percent fares increase for cabbies -- but drivers lost the 10 p.m. to midnight surcharges.

Bermuda Taxi Federation secretary Joe Brown said: "The Christmas industrial action will continue.

"However, if Government publicly states its intention to reinstate the surcharge when the House of Assembly reconvenes in February, then all industrial action will cease immediately.'' Mr. Brown was speaking after an emergency meeting of the Taxi Federation's executive yesterday afternoon to decide drivers' next move.

But he refused to discuss any other action drivers might take to win their battle against Transport Minister Wayne Furbert.

But blockading the airport, boycotting hotels -- with the Reefs, owned by Tourism Minister David Dodwell as top target -- were all mentioned as future targets.

Mr. Brown said: "We want it confirmed that we will get the two hours back -- we may be fighting for something Government's already giving us -- but we don't know. That's where the confusion is.'' He added: "It could be a very good holiday bonus to tell us we get the two hours back. The industry needs something to look forward to at Christmas and industrial action certainly isn't a bright prospect.'' But last night Mr. Furbert said the new regulations would come into force on January 1 and he could not give any guarantees on what a review might come up with.

He added that the Taxi Federation did not represent all drivers on the Island -- and that some had told him they could live with the new deal.

Mr. Furbert warned against any industrial action, saying it would be better to wait for the February review.

And he said: "The Minister of Transport has a responsibility to look at transporation in total -- not just one sector.

"Whatever actions taxi drivers take, we will have to respond to ensure transportation is provided and protected.'' Around 50 Bermuda Taxi Federation members picketed the House of Assembly last Friday when MPs discussed the changes to the regulations.

Drivers circled the House sounding their horns and later packed the public gallery for the debate -- but the House voted to back the regulations.

The industry originally wanted a 25 percent increase in the metre rates with the surcharges remaining untouched.

Mr. Brown said after the vote that drivers were prepared to accept 20 percent on the metres -- but said they would not stand for any surcharge cuts.

But Mr. Furbert said Mr. Brown had sat on the Taxi Advisory Council when it recommended an end to surcharges for six-seater cabs.

Mr. Furbert said: "I am amazed -- Mr. Brown was on the committee that recommended a 50 percent increase -- but to take away all surcharges, Sundays and public holidays. I find it quite strange he should now take this stance.''