Greek Truckers Strike Over

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01-08-2010 18:40

The truck drivers' strike, was called off today as protesters agreed to enter talks with the government.

Six days after launching the walkout, workers voted to end the action on condition the ruling socialists resumed negotiations over planned reforms to liberalise the freight industry.

Speaking after a marathon session of union members, Giorgos Tzortzakos, who heads the federation of lorry owners, said: "By a marginal vote we have decided to end our action." But he warned of further strikes if the socialists backed down from their commitments.

29-07-2010 12:55

Striking Greek truck drivers say they will defy government orders to return to work.

Ministers have threatened to strip them of their licenses.

"We say to the government. Come and get them. Come and make us go back to work. We think there is no chance of them doing that. No chance at all," said protest leader Spyros Kapetanios.

If they do not obey the emergency order, they could face five years in jail.

28-07-2010 16:15

ATHENS — Talks between government and union representatives breakown without agreement.

28-07-2010 16:15

ATHENS — Greece's government on Wednesday called crisis talks to deal with a nationwide fuel crisis as a truckers' strike entered its third day at the height of the busy tourism season.

Fuel has run out in all but a few of the capital's petrol stations and shortages are already reported in many major cities.

The transport ministry invited union leaders to talks to break the deadlock which began over plans to liberalise the freight sector.

The truckers say that opening the sector by reducing new licence charges is unfair to existing operators who have already paid high start-up fees running up to 300,000 Euros (390,000 dollars).

"The state sold us these licences, so the state should compensate us," said the head of the truckers' union George Tsamos.

The protest has had a major impact on the country's tourism season which is vital to the Greek economy as it battles an unprecedented financial crisis.

26-07-2010 10:28

The Greek National Truckers Union threatened strike was confirmed on the 25th of July for an indefinite period.

Protesting against the EU directed 'opening up' of their industry, there will be coordinated blockades on strategic national road locations, port entrances and airports, designed to cause maximum disruption.