Bassem Talas, the head of the unions and syndicates of land transportation, clarified that in last week's meeting, they discussed two matters: the significant rise in fuel prices and the issuance of fines against drivers for not paying mechanical fees. He indicated that they are gathered today to consider the interests of drivers and the Lebanese people in general. As a result of discussions held with the Minister of Public Works and Transport in the caretaker government, Michel Najjar, a 30% increase in transportation prices will be announced today at noon at the Ministry of Public Works.
Talas emphasized that the unions and syndicates of the land transportation sector are committed to discipline and honest trade union work. He stated that what happened in the country yesterday reflects the suffering of the Lebanese people and the humiliation that forced them to take to the streets. He remarked, "We have responsibilities toward our sector, which bears the burden of rising fuel prices and the collapse of the Lebanese pound against the dollar. Our question is, where are they leading the people and future generations amidst the spread of the coronavirus pandemic?"
After the meeting of the unions and syndicates of land transportation, Talas addressed the President of the Republic, Michel Aoun, and the designated Prime Minister, Saad Hariri, saying, "Enough is enough. The key to stability and calm is the formation of a government. Look at the needs of the people and the Lebanese who are searching for their essentials and a livelihood, as the scene that occurred yesterday is a true comprehensive picture of the situation, for hunger has affected everyone without distinction. Therefore, you must form the government today, if not tomorrow, away from personal calculations."
He stated, "Here, I address the workers and the Lebanese people: Do not blame the drivers, who are part of the community and bear great burdens like others, and I tell the drivers to be merciful to the passengers because if there is a passenger, the work will be available. The state is absent, and the governments are irresponsible. Prices have increased by more than 400%, and transportation compensation is still calculated by the government and companies based on 1500 L.L. Therefore, we demand that they reassess this compensation to align with the current reality."
Regarding the traffic violations due to drivers not obtaining permits from the platform and the fines issued on January 12 and 13 against van and bus owners for not paying mechanical fees, Talas confirmed that on behalf of the caretaker Prime Minister, Hassan Diab, the fines issued against trucks, buses, vans, and public and tourist vehicles concerning the mechanical fee are considered annulled by the state’s decision. He called on drivers to submit the violation notices to their unions within a week to raise them to President Diab for cancellation.
Talas concluded: "We are syndicalists working for our unions and their interests, and our goal is not to protest or strike." He directed his message to northern drivers, affirming, "We are going to address the problems of public drivers and protect the land transportation sector while seeking to allocate a fixed amount for maintenance. Accordingly, we announce the suspension of the strike decision and the mobilizations that were planned for today."
