Newsroom
For the hundreds of truck drivers who pass through Limassol port every day, Thursday wasn't business as usual.
Instead of collecting and delivering containers, many parked their trucks and refused to work, saying they fear the very route they drive dozens of times a day could put their health at risk.
Trailer transporters at the Port of Limassol launched a spontaneous work stoppage on Thursday morning in protest over the relocation of a container X-ray scanner, which they say now sits too close to the entrance of the Eurogate Container Terminal.
The drivers argue that every trip into the terminal brings them within close proximity of the scanner, raising concerns about repeated exposure to radiation.
"Our health comes first," is the message being sent by many of the transporters, who insist they are not willing to take what they see as an unnecessary risk.
Kyriakos Moustakas, Central Organizing Secretary of POVEK, said the decision to relocate the scanner was made despite objections from transporters, who had suggested it be installed elsewhere.
He said the issue had already been discussed during a meeting at the Ministry of Transport, where the Customs Department maintained there was no scientific reason for concern.
The drivers, however, remain unconvinced.
They believe the equipment could pose long-term health risks and say they should not have to pass near it repeatedly throughout the working day.
The scanner began operating in its new location on Wednesday, prompting transporters to down tools less than 24 hours later.
The work stoppage has already disrupted activity at Cyprus' busiest commercial port, where thousands of containers move through every week. If the dispute continues, delays could affect businesses waiting for imports and exports, as well as companies that rely on goods arriving on time.
For now, the drivers say they are waiting for the Ministry of Transport to step in and find a solution that protects both the smooth operation of the port and the people who keep it moving.
The Customs Department has maintained that the X-ray inspection system is safe and poses no risk to people working nearby, but until both sides reach common ground, one of Cyprus' busiest transport hubs could continue to feel the impact of the standoff.
