Jeepney strike set this month

A major transport group yesterday vowed to hold a massive strike this month to oppose the shift to modern jeepneys.

The Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (PISTON) had planned to hold a transport holiday last Dec. 4 and 5.

PISTON president George San Mateo said they suspended the strike as they heeded the appeal of Sen. Grace Poe to voice out their concerns at a Senate hearing.

“We will hold massive protests this month. The government cannot blame drivers and operators affected by the phaseout of old jeepneys,” he said.

San Mateo said he has yet to get the exact number of drivers and operators affected by the jeepney modernization program of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

He added he received reports that some jeepney operators were not able to renew their franchises with the LTFRB.

San Mateo declined to say when the group will hold the transport strike.

“We don’t want to give the government any idea about our plans,” he said.

Last year, PISTON organized at least five nationwide strikes that resulted in suspension of classes in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

DOTr Undersecretary for road networks and infrastructure Thomas Orbos said jeepney drivers and operators should seek dialogues with concerned government agencies instead of resorting to protest actions.

“During the Senate hearing last December, we agreed and committed to sit down to thresh out all remedies. Why do they need to strike? I am still hopeful things will be settled with PISTON amicably,” Orbos said.