AMMAN — Independent unions have called for protests
in solidarity with the ongoing truckers’ strike, as the Senate called on
“responsible parties” to come to the table, local media outlets reported.
اضافة اعلان
The strikes, which broke out last week, started with
truckers in Aqaba and Maan governorates but have since grown to include drivers
and owners of taxis, rideshare cabs, minibuses, and water tankers.
The General Federation of Jordanian Trade Unions invited
activists to participate in a peaceful march in solidarity with transport
workers, according to AmmanNet.
The rally will start in front of the National Center of
Human Rights at 12:30pm and march towards Fourth Circle.
Protestors, including those interviewed by Jordan News, have
cited the latest fuel hike as the primary threat to their livelihood.
The Land Transport Regulatory Commission (LTRC) Sunday
proposed to disburse JD6 million in subsidies over three months to the public
transport sector. Protesting taxi drivers rejected the offer, demanding the
reduction of fuel prices across the board.
The commission announced that it had reached an agreement
with the general unions of bus and taxi owners to continue and increase the
provision of cash support for all types of passenger transport in the Kingdom
within its jurisdiction.
The invitation declared that the federation’s own members
were also despondent with price hikes.
Previously, the federation had accused the government of
handling the strike “superficially and primitively”, citing the prime
minister’s statements and authorities’ use of force in some areas.
It also called the recent agreements between the LTRC and
the Syndicate of Jordanian Truck Owners an attempt to “bypass” the demands of
the truck drivers.
The Senate also issued a statement on Tuesday calling on all
responsible parties to discuss the strikers’ demands, and for the protestors to
respect law and order, Al-Mamlaka TV reported.
“While the Senate realizes that price hikes are a worldwide
phenomenon, it reminds us of the importance of taking into account the
conditions of the most affected classes,” who are seeing an increase in the
cost of living, the statement said.
It praised the King for presiding over broad national
reforms aimed at encouraging political participation, ensuring continued social
justice, strengthening transparency, increasing accountability, and improving
citizens’ living conditions.
Read more National news
Jordan News
.jpg)
.jpg)
