The truck owners stated that they could not afford the rate of Rs 12.85 per kilometer per ton and decided to resume their month-long agitation, which they suspended last April.
The decision was taken at a meeting convened by both Associations at Bombay Road, Palim on May 3. Around 300 truck drivers were present. They unanimously rejected the rates and demanded the government to actively pursue and solve the grievances of the truck owners instead of simply giving assurances.
They stated that they would continue their strike until satisfactory rates were decided. They said that any rate between Rs 18-20 per kilometer per ton would be affordable, and requested the government to positively consider their demand. They also warned mining companies and contractors against hiring trucks from outside the state to transport ore. If that demand was not met, they threatened sleep on the roads to prevent traffic.
