Truck drivers to strike over T/Cypriot licences

Heavy truck drivers plan to strike on Thursday in protest to the Licensing Authorities’ decision to issue type C licences to Turkish Cypriot truck drivers.

Greek Cypriot truck drivers are angry at government plans to provide temporary professional licences to Turkish Cypriot lorry and bus drivers, legalising the circulation of Turkish Cypriot lorries and buses in the free areas.

In a meeting that took place last Thursday, category A lorry drivers decided on the strike as a first measure and will step-up measures if the decision on the licences isn’t revoked.

President of A-licence truck drivers union Giorgos Charalambous stressed that the issuing of category C licences was a violation of basic provisions of the relevant law.

Communications Minister Haris Thrasou has specified that although the Licensing Authorities are an independent service, he has called for a meeting for all parties involved to discuss the matter. He noted that if from the evidence he is given he finds the issue of all 46 licences C is unjustifiable, he will revoke the decision. However, he stressed that under the agreement signed by the Republic governing the Green Line arrangement, Cyprus has an obligation to allow Turkish Cypriot truck drivers moving their goods through the government controlled areas.

“Let me stress that the T/Cypriot truck drivers will not be allowed to engage in delivery of goods in the controlled areas, and we shall not allow Greek Cypriot employers to employ them,” said Thrasou.

The Rural Bus Owners’ Union meanwhile also announced that its members will go on an indefinite strike on Wednesday in protest to what they call “years of failure to meet their demands”.

Tourist bus drivers’ unions are also asking for security in connection to the issuing of licences to their Turkish counterparts.