Massive strike hits C. Java<\/p>\n
SEMARANG: More than 1,000 bus drivers in several northern Java
\ntowns went on strike yesterday demanding the provincial
\ngovernment allow them to raise fares.<\/p>\n
The massive strike that crippled Jepara, Kelet, Keling, Tayu,
\nTrengkil, Juana, Pati and Sukolilo left thousands of people
\nscrambling for other means of transportation, police said.<\/p>\n
The military was forced to mobilize its trucks to transport
\npeople while drivers who did not support the strike said they did
\nnot dare work because they had been threatened.<\/p>\n
Military and privately owned trucks carrying travelers between
\nthe affected towns were escorted by armed soldiers.<\/p>\n
"We are afraid the striking drivers will attack us if we were
\nare not escorted by soldiers," said Suyono, who drove his own
\ntruck to transport people.<\/p>\n
Drivers said that since the economic crisis took a grip last
\nJuly, their incomes had dropped drastically in real terms while
\nprices of essential commodities continued to skyrocket.<\/p>\n
"Besides, prices of motorized vehicle parts have tripled. How
\ncan we survive with fares at the current levels?" a driver said.<\/p>\n
Some drivers said they planned a five-day strike unless their
\ndemands were met. (har)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/massive-strike-hits-c-java-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}