Heavy-freight truck drivers and owners continued their strike on Thursday, ushering the episode into its 14th day in Gharbiya, Sharqiya, Dakahlia, Assiut, and Sohag governorates. Those persisting with the strike refused the Chamber of Commerce in Cairo (CCC) sanctioned concessions earlier this week which prompted many involved to halt the strike. On 10 December, heavy-freight truck drivers began striking over a batch of government decrees, including increased taxes, a ban on highway driving on Thursdays and Fridays, and a requirement to transform all semi-trailers to full-trailers. Though the tax was abolished on 14 December, drivers continued the strike after the government refused to meet other demands. The truckers continuing to strike accuse those who halted the strike of expediency. They also said they lack confidence in the negotiations between the CCC and the government. Zaki al-Tras, a transportation company owner and member of one of the heavy-freight truck unions heading the recent negotiations, called on all truck owners to join the strike. Meanwhile, security authorities arrested four people who attacked semi-trailers in Kafr al-Sheikh Governorate, setting them ablaze in response to the strike violation. Four others who participated in the attacks remain at large. The General Trade Union of Road Transport recently announced it does not support the strike. Union head Mohamed al-Jabali said since official negotiations have already launched, strike participants have no right to continue the strike or call for a new one. He urged the truckers to wait for the government's final decision regarding their demands. Al-Jabali said the truckers succeeded in achieving one of their primary demands: the cancellation of the tax increase. After achieving this demand, the truckers should opt to discontinue the strike, he added. Translated from the Arabic Edition.
