Spain Trucking Strike Ends - For Now

[Bullwinkle]

Three Spanish truck drivers' unions halted a strike Monday that seriously disrupted supplies to factories and markets before losing steam.

The unions -- Fenadismer, Confedetrans and Antid -- said they were temporarily suspending the strike started June 9 "so as not to cause more economic damage to the sector."

The groups represent mostly self-employed truck drivers, or some 12 percent of the sector.

Non-striking unions representing the vast majority of Spain's trucking industry reached agreement last week with the government on measures to offset soaring fuel costs, which was the reason for the stoppage. But this package did not include the strikers' main demand: guaranteed minimum rates for their services.

"The government has managed to cover up a bleeding wound in the industry but it has not been cured and sooner or later it will open up again," the three unions said in a statement.

Source: Businessweek

[Bullwinkle]

Their main demand was for Guaranteed Minimum Freight Rates, which they didn't get.

They did, however, get the governments attention, and got some agreements on plans to offset fuel costs.

It sounds like the union is already putting together a "plan B" if things don't look better for their industry soon.

This is why I favor union representation for truckers, but it's something I don't think we will ever see.

[BANDIT]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bullwinkle Their main demand was for Guaranteed Minimum Freight Rates, which they didn't get. They did, however, get the governments attention, and got some agreements on plans to offset fuel costs. It sounds like the union is already putting together a "plan B" if things don't look better for their industry soon. This is why I favor union representation for truckers, but it's something I don't think we will ever see.

You're exactly right Moose. The only way you will ever see that here is if the government can control it just like they are in control of the teamsters union right now. They can't afford to lose their control of the trucking industry, especially not now.

[Bullwinkle]

Actually, the only way we would ever see it here is if the entire industry got serious about uniting, and if there is ever a organization out there willing to lead a true effort like this.

But, to organize a union, it means paying regular dues to support it. Therefore, it will probably never happen.

[Blakowt13]

It would be nice to see:

United in Sovereignty for All.

Like a Union that is TRUE and FOR the People, Sovereignty is a dream as well.