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Strikes

Strike Travel: Malta Stopped Dead by Protests

July 15, 2008 at 9:31 AM | 0 Comments

It may be a small island, but even the country of Malta requires trains and buses to cart its residents around. But not this week: Drivers of vehicles large and small are striking in protest of a government effort to offer more licenses for hearses.

The Federation for Public Transport authorized the strike after the government announced it would try to break what it described as a hearse monopoly--the business of the dead is practiced by just 11 licensees island-wide. The strike has led to the rise of "black taxis" (profit-motivated uncertified cabdrivers), but after an emergency bus service driven by armed forces was hijacked by transit workers, tourists are finding themselves on surprise walking vacations.

Also to be stretching their legs: the hundreds of students arriving for a Catholic schools' association athletic games on Saturday. But will strike lines part for the Pope?

Related Stories:
· Strikes coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Times of Malta]