Limassol port truckers threaten bigger strike

Truck drivers outside Limassol port staged a work stoppage for a second day in a row to protest conditions that they describe as causing problems and delays.

According to Cyprus News Agency (CNA), truck drivers parked their 18-wheelers along the road outside the Eurogate terminal on Friday, demanding that a solution be found to problems including delays, inspections, and fines.

The main complaint was made known a day earlier, when a 24-hour strike also took place, centered around servicing times. Representatives of truck drivers called on Eurogate and DP World Limassol, the two companies managing at Limassol port, to cut down delays.

According to current policy, cargo can be released from DPWL after clients clear customs, fill out delivery order forms, and have a receipt of payment of service.

But protesters argue that servicing times take too long and pose a number of problems for truck drivers, who have tachographs installed in their vehicles. These tachometers are designed to track and record a lot of data, including engine speed and distance.

Additional grievances include positions against inspections and steeper traffic fines, putting more pressure on truck drivers who are trying to carry out their tasks.

Despite a solution having been found previously to a number of side issues, including a procedure for filling out forms, protesters say they are prepared to escalate measures if servicing times are not shortened.

The managing companies maintain the position that they have not violated any rules or provisions according to their contract agreements.

A meeting at the Transport Ministry was scheduled at 2pm on Friday between the strikers and the managing companies, where truck drivers were reportedly preapred to ask for overtime and other arrangements in addition to shortening current waiting times.