Public Transport Drivers Warn of 'Escalatory Steps' as They Block Roads in Protest
Taxi and public transportation drivers on Wednesday blocked several vital roads across Lebanon amid a crunching economic and financial crisis that has affected all sectors.
The land transport unions had announced a three-day strike to pressure the government, convening today, to take a decision on improving the conditions of the land transport drivers.
It was the second time in three weeks unions held strike action, forcing schools, universities, and many shops to close. With public transport virtually nonexistent in Lebanon, many rely on such shared taxis, buses or minivans for their daily commute and travel.
"We hope the Cabinet, during its session, will take a decision on the agreement that had been reached between the union and the government," Head of the Unions and Syndicates of Land Transport Sector Bassam Tlais said.
Beirut was eerily quiet as protesting drivers blocked its main highways and intersections, some with burning tires.
The drivers blocked main roads in the capital, including Hamra and Martyrs' Square.
Roads in the southern suburbs have also been blocked including the airport road, as well as roads in Tripoli, Western Bekaa, Aley, Sidon, Dora and many others, while the road from Nahr el Kalb to Jounieh has been partially reopened.
“There was a time when a taxi driver’s son could become a doctor, an engineer, anything prestigious," said taxi driver Hussein Assam, 55, who was protesting near central Beirut's once thriving Hamra Street. "Now the taxi driver can’t even feed his children.”
“The poor person who can’t eat anymore is going to burn the entire country,” Assam added, looking on the former commercial boulevard that has been reduced to penury.
Tlais said he hopes a solution will be reached today.
"Otherwise, we will be forced to take escalatory steps," he warned, adding that these steps won't be "at the expense of the citizens."
The strike is scheduled to continue until Friday with sit-ins from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.
