Tuesday, April 29, 2008 Mendoza assures no transport paralysis on Labor Day
TRANSPORTATION Secretary Leandro Mendoza said there would be no transport paralysis on May 1 (Labor Day) despite the threat of the militant Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper and Opereytor Nationwide (Piston) to go on strike.
Mendoza said he was assured by other transport groups such as the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Fedjodap) that they would take up the slack if Piston makes good on its threat.
He said Piston is more of a labor than a transport group and is concerned with workers' concerns.
"Piston's threat is more of a labor issue. The other transport groups such as taxis, buses, and FX won't join the strike. Definitely there will be no paralysis," he said.
He said there is no need to deploy government vehicles to transport stranded passengers because other jeepneys could just be re-routed to cover the affected routes and buses can pass by the areas to pick up additional passengers.
He said government is willing to address the concerns of the transport sector but certain issues such as the rising prices of oil products are worldwide and are "beyond our control." (JMR/Sunnex)
