East Timor bus drivers on strike

East Timor bus drivers on strike

DILI, East Timor: Hundreds of bus drivers staged a peaceful
demonstration over the weekend against the skyrocketing prices of
basic commodities, auto part and lubricant oil.

They marched to the provincial legislative office, jamming the
vast compound with their buses.

The protest prompted scores of security officers to block
roads leading to the compound and closely watch people's movement
in anticipation of violence.

Five drivers representing the drivers were met by deputy
council speaker Gabriel da Costa, provincial transportation
office chief Robertus Widadgo and officials from the manpower
office.

The representatives said they were frustrated by the soaring
prices of essential goods, auto parts and lube oil. They demanded
that the government move to stabilize prices at a reasonable
level.

"If there is no way to meet our demand, we have two options:
continuing strike or burning shops," said drivers representative
Jose da Silva.

He said that the price of a tire had in a few months increased
from Rp 52,500 to Rp 125,000, a brake shoe from 45,000 to 90,000
and lube oil from Rp 17,000 to Rp 24,000 a liter.

Gabriel promised to discuss the drivers' complaint with
government officials and to conduct a field check on the reported
expensive goods. (33)