Truck drivers’ strike in motion

Truck drivers have this morning parked their trucks and those still on the roads are being impounded by picketing drivers to force their employers up their monthly salaries and improve working conditions.

At least 50 trucks are parked at Kanengo in Lilongwe and along the Lilongwe-Mchinji road and 100 more in Blantyre most of them carrying essential goods; fuel and fertilizer.

The truck drivers said they want their monthly salaries up to K300, 000 from the current K50, 000 a month.

“We are the least paid truck drivers in the Sadc region. What can K50, 000 do to us for a month,” said Mavuto Thuwala.

Others expressed concern that there is no job security as truck drivers, saying they are fired anytime, anywhere, anyhow.

There was no immediate comment from truck owners but government was said to be initiating dialogue so that the strike is called off and the cargo starts flowing.

Other affected areas also include Mzuzu and Karonga.