Transport strike enters fourth day

The third day of the public transport strike yesterday was accentuated by a number of incidents, the most serious being that of a Cianco coach driver who was beaten in Żebbuġ.

The driver, Mario Muscat, was transporting students when he was ordered down by striking drivers. He was beaten up, the ignition keys removed and the coach was left in the middle of the road.

Minor scuffles were reported close to the Addolorata Cemetery, in Paola.

An emergency ferry service had to be suspended after crews were threatened, much like what had happened to the emergency nationwide transport service and the service between Valletta and Park & Ride in Blata l-Bajda.

The transport operators insist the stoppage shall remain for as long as the government refuses to reverse its decision to liberalise the hearse sector. The government, on its part, is adamant that the liberalisation process should continue for the benefit of consumers.

A third mediation attempt was under way yesterday, the mediator believed to be a member of the Hearse Owners' Association.

There was increased police presence yesterday, possibly also in view of the visit of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Sources said the police concentrated on keeping protesting transport workers away from the airport and Valletta as well as the sea terminal. The Special Assignment Group was deployed for a few hours in the morning when it was learnt that bus drivers were planning to block roads leading to the airport.

The sources said bus drivers told Police Commissioner John Rizzo, who was accompanying the SAG contingent, they demanded the release of drivers remanded in custody. Mr Rizzo replied that such demands were unacceptable.

A number of passengers missed their flight because of blocked roads and Air Malta said it was making arrangements for them to take alternative flights. Meanwhile, more people were arrested throughout the day. Twelve striking drivers have been arraigned so far in connection with various incidents - one per cent of the 1,200 drivers who are striking.

Reports reached The Times yesterday that not all white taxis were striking, with some reportedly picking up passengers. Others reported that white taxi drivers were transporting tourists in their private cars not to lose business.

Tourists continued to be served by black taxis, some owners of which also own white taxis.

Throughout the day, buses and red mini-vans blocked roads in different areas and caused pollution, not just through emissions but also with their constant sounding of horns. In the morning, they blocked the Sliema/St Julians area driving towards Valletta at a snail's pace. Later on in the day they blocked the Marsa/Qormi artery leading towards Luqa and Sta Luċija.

Police officers were stationed especially in sensitive areas, spending long hours in the direct sun. Policemen and policewomen on duty told The Times they had to fork out €1 each for one of their colleagues to purchase cold water since this was not provided by the force until lunchtime, when they were also given a light snack.

The court yesterday rejected a request for the issue of a warrant of prohibitory injunction, clearing the way for the Malta Transport Authority to issue five new licences for hearses.

No funerals using hearses were held over the past three days and the number of bodies at the Mater Dei Hospital mortuary yesterday rose to 34, leaving just 20 more spaces before it reaches its full capacity.

The Health Department was hoping that the only non-striking hearse driver would start burying the dead today. However, when contacted, undertaker Karmenu Mifsud said he will not be working today for fear of possible attacks. He said that priests and families were also reluctant to hold any services today.