Greece to use Military Transport for Emergency Deliveries During Trucker Strike

VOA News
July 30, 2010 at 6:01 pm

The Greek government said Friday it will use military trucks to restore fuel supplies dwindled after a crippling strike by truckers.

Officials say the armed forces will ensure the supply of vital sectors such as airports and hospitals.

Police clashed with striking truckers outside an oil refinery at Thessaloniki in northern Greece.

Truckers have blocked most of the fuel deliveries since the beginning of the week to protest governments plans to issue new trucking licenses to increase competition.

Greece has been beset with strike for months, with various interest groups demonstrating against the government austerity measures, aimed at reducing the country’s huge deficit.

Greece has committed to implement a series of unpopular measures, including pensions and benefit cuts, to secure an international bailout for its unprecedented financial crisis.

The truckers’ strike has taken especially heavy toll on Greek islands, which need extra fuel for food and other deliveries during the busy tourist season.

Some information in this story was provided by AP, AFP, Bloomberg and Reuters.