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»Issue 12, Volume 07 www.scarbrough-intl.com » December 2007 |
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BUSINESS MONITOR Italian Trucker Strikes hurts International Shipping A protest by Italian truckers blocked motorways, grounded flights, and damaged national and international supply chains that rely heavily on the ability to replenish in a timely fashion. "From 10 a.m. (December 11, 2007) more than 60 percent of gas stations' stocks had run out. By this evening gas stations on motorways and in towns will be more or less dry," said Fegica Cisl, a union group which represents some of Italy's independent fuel retailers. Car maker Fiat shut down all of its Fiat Auto car plants for lack of spare parts and left 17,000 workers at home, a company source said. Fiat shares were down 2.41 percent by 1539 GMT on profit-taking after recent gains, traders said. In Rome, people were lining up to buy gas but some stations had put up signs saying they had already run out of fuel. Thousands of trucks blocked highways in various parts of the country, including to the north of the capital city Rome and near the border with France. The truckers want the government to cut the price of diesel and impose better conditions in their sector; such as ensuring they are paid more promptly. Prime Minister Romano Prodi said the protests -- which have been deemed illegal by Italy's strikes commission -- were unacceptable but agreed to talk to the truckers. "The way this protest is happening has my complete disapproval. This is not the way to discuss these issues." Prodi said. A meeting was under way with truckers' representatives at the Prime Minister's office, he said. However, representatives of independent truck drivers -- the owner-drivers who make up the majority of Italy's haulage sector -- walked out to leave the larger trucking companies talking to the government. "The protest continues," Cna-Fita union representative Maurizio Longo said. "But we will try to loosen our grip slightly to reduce the worst problems." Truckers have vowed to continue their protest for five days. "It's inconceivable that at a time like this the country and the economy can be brought to a standstill," said Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, head of employers' federation Confindustria. Producers of perishables said they were already suffering. Farmers' group Coldiretti said it feared "incalculable damage" if fruit and vegetables were unable to get to market, especially in the lead-up to Christmas when demand is high. "For the moment, the concerns focus on perishable commodities, but it could soon extend to all food products if the strike goes on for long, including traditional Christmas specialties," Coldiretti said. -- Scott Woods, Sales/Marketing |
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