Group urges public to be prepared as strike looms

NCTU official says they’ve already sent notices of the Cebu archdiocese, the affected LGUs, DepEd, Ched and major establishments Cities of Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue to deploy 10 vehicles each to help ferry stranded passengers on July 21

AN OFFIICAL of the National Confederation of Transportworkers’ Unions (NCTU) yesterday called on local government units (LGUs) in Metro Cebu to suspend their classes on Monday.

Romeo Armamento, vice president of the federation’s chapter in the Visayas, said at least 4,000 public utility vehicles plying routes up to Naga City in the south and Danao City in the north will join the transport strike on Monday.

He also urged the LGUs to prepare transport schemes early on. “We hope to inform the commuters about the alternative transport plans of the LGUs over the weekend,” he told Sun.Star Cebu.

Calling for a review

Armamento sad they already sent notices to the Archdiocese of Cebu, the affected LGUs, the Department of Education, the Commission on Higher Education and major establishments to help inform commuters about the transport strike.

The NTCU is holding the strike to protest against the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) 2014-01, which carries fines and penalties for traffic violations that the group finds oppressive.

Among the contested provisions is the P1-million fine on colorum vehicles.

The order was issued by the Land of Transportation Office, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

Armamento said the DOTC and other concerned agencies should review JAO together with transport leaders and other stakeholders.

Prepared

The City Governments of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu are preparing for the strike.

Lapu-Lapu City Administrator Teodulo Ybañez said the City has at least 10 vehicles, including two buses, ready to be deployed as early as 6 a.m.

All 19 barangays in the mainland will also deploy their vehicles to transport stranded commuters for free.

The vehicles will bring commuters from Lapu-Lapu to as far as Osmeña Blvd. in Cebu City. The drivers will also pick up commuters bound for LapuLapu on the way back.

Among those who will be af-

fected by the strike are thousands of workers in the Mactan Economic Zone.

The Mandaue City Government is also ready to deploy at least 10 vehicles, including six L300 vans.

Glenn Antigua, assistant for operations of the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (Team), said the vehicle will help transport commuters up to the Ayala Center Cebu, SM City Cebu, and Foodland (on A.S. Fortuna St.)

Vehicles will be available in front of the City Hall to bring commuters up to the SM Consolacion after classes and work hours.