Greek truckers defy order to return to work

There have been clashes between Greek police and truck drivers in Athens during the fourth day of a nationwide strike.

The government has ordered an end to the action which has crippled deliveries of fuel and vital supplies of medicines.

But the order has been widely ignored, even though the truckers face arrest and risk losing their licences.

“These are very serious matters and especially the licence matter. We’ve bought these licences with very hard work, we’ve paid the state for these licences and the state receives taxes for each one,” said trade unionist Vassilis Theodosiou.

Thousands of lorry drivers have been lining motorways and other roads since Monday to protest against plans to open up their sector; it is a key reform required as part of the multi-billion euro EU debt rescue package.

Tourism has also suffered as a result, with thousands of holidaymakers believed to have cancelled their breaks over the last few days.

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Tags: Greece, Strike, Transport