Bus drivers go on strike

Bus drivers go on strike

SURAKARTA, Central Java: Hundreds of bus drivers plying the
Wonogiri-Surakarta route went on strike yesterday in protest
against police fines which, they say, are unfair.

"We are angry because police ticket many of us for unclear
reasons. They ticket drivers who have not violated any
regulation," a spokesman for the drivers, Suparto, said.

"They have often demanded Rp 30,000 (US$13) as a fine. How do
they think we can afford to pay it?" he added.

The strike began at 7 a.m., with drivers sitting idle in large
groups at the bus terminal.

The drivers vowed to continue striking until the police
discontinue "unfair" ticketing practices. (har/imn)