Truck drivers threaten new strike

JUST FOUR months after a devastating strike that ended in a violent confrontation with police, truck drivers are once again threatening to take to the streets.

The group say the government has not stuck to its side of the bargain, under which tighter controls were promised on holders of ‘B’ and ‘C’ licenses, who continue to take cargo from the airports, ports, mines and cement factories.

In effect, holders of ‘A’ and ‘D’ licenses want exclusive access to these facilities.

In August the Communications Ministry gave out a circular to transport inspectors, clarifying the agreed interpretation of the law on ‘B’ and ‘C’ licence holders.

But truckers say that the law continues to be flouted and this is ruining their livelihood.
Earlier this week a spokesman for the group said they were contemplating “dynamic measures” if they did not get a satisfactory explanation from the ministry by December 8.
The government and the public know all too well that, when drivers warn of dynamic measures, they mean business.

Back in July the economy buckled under an eight-day strike that cost businesses millions of pounds, as vital construction materials and perishable goods were tied up at ports, blockaded by the truckers.

They later tried to occupy two cement factories, but scuffles broke out when riot squad prevented them from doing so.

Meanwhile the Association of Employers and Industrialists (OEV) has warned that if the truckers chose to strike again, OEV would react immediately by setting up its own company of ‘A’ licence holders.

Given the ongoing mobilisations by potato growers and other farmers, the government will need to tread carefully if it wants to avoid a major crisis on the island’s roads.