Police officers from special units have surrounded the docks of Piraeus port, since carriers have decided that they would continue their protest by blocking the port. There was quarrel between drivers who want to work and carriers that are determined not to step back. Yesterday evening carriers on smll motor bykes were passing from one vessel to another and were blocking the path of their colleagues who had decided to work so as not to embark their trucks on the ships departing for the islands. Today most of the gates are kept by the police to avoid outbursts between the striking and workers carriers. About 200 trucks got down from the ships, but they still remained in the parking lots, because the owners did not allow them to come out on the streets.
The owners of three large companies said that it makes no sense to continue with their protest, because the law has already been voted and they have already lost enough money. They say they are ready to bring charges in court against their colleagues if they interfere with their work or cause damage to the trucks that circulate on the roads. Supply problems in the market continue to increase and more and more products are missing while suppliers cannot get near the customs because they are full of thousands of containers.
Government representative made a statement warning the drivers that those who do not abide by the law will bear the consequences. According to another decision signed by Dimitris Repas in the morning, the tanks of private companies will be able to perform services for third parties during the weekend, so there is no lack of fuel on the market.
In writing the Minister of infrastructure Dimitris Repas committed to three major issues that affect the drivers - to be included in the development program, to change their status retirement and to have tax relieves. According to the written promises of the minister through various tax incentives is given the opportunity to the drivers to pay their licenses and not to suffer a loss. In the case of retirement, on the other hand, they can use the remaining amount of the value of their license. Especially for the small carriers in different areas is planned to increase the amount of repayment of the license by 50%. And in the law for the development will be provided for the first time also the carriers’ industry with investment plans and they will also be able to participate in EU funding programs confirms Mr. Repas in his letter.
Nevertheless 60% of the carriers who attended the meeting of their union, decided to continue their protest. According to them, there are many uncertainties in the decision of Mr. Repas and in his letter he does not mention everything he had promised them. So far it is not known in what way will the strikes continue, but according to initial information carriers will focus on the occupation of the port of Piraeus. In this way they will be able to put greater pressure on the government by not allowing the trucks that do not strike to leave for the islands.
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