This week, Jeepney drivers staged a two day strike in the Metro Manila area to protest against oil price increases, increasingly strict franchising and regularisation guidelines, and ever multiplying government fees. Another issue has been the government’s plan to modernise the fleet which, according to the Jeepney drivers will only lead to job losses and higher fares. The strike was well supported with up to 90% of drivers staying away. The strike was supported by large sections of urban working class communities who rely on them for transport. In response, the government claimed that the strike was an ‘act of rebellion’ and a plot by the left to undermine the government of President Duterte.
This week, Jeepney drivers staged a two day strike in the Metro Manila area to protest against oil price increases, increasingly strict franchising and regularisation guidelines, and ever multiplying government fees. Another issue has been the government’s plan to modernise the fleet which, according to the Jeepney drivers will only lead to job losses and higher fares. The strike was well supported with up to 90% of drivers staying away. The strike was supported by large sections of urban working class communities who rely on them for transport. In response, the government claimed that the strike was an ‘act of rebellion’ and a plot by the left to undermine the government of President Duterte.
