Truck drivers launch strike
Truck drivers yesterday launched open-ended strike action, expected to cause serious problems for supplies of fuel and other goods, to protest reforms aimed at opening up their sector to competition in line with European Union regulations and the government’s commitments to its international creditors. The truckers had been planning to launch their action on August 27 but started earlier to emphasize their opposition to looming reforms. State television broadcast images of protesters claiming to have been «deceived» by the government and pledging «to strike until death.» The unionists’ chief gripe is that, by raising the price of operating licenses, the government has undervalued the licenses they have. Thousands of motorists filled up their tanks yesterday, anticipating the dwindling supplies at gas stations as fuel truck drivers are to join in the action.
