Transportation Drivers Union Goes on Strike, Blocks Roads Across Lebanon

The Transportation Drivers Union staged a strike on Wednesday blocking several roads across Lebanon to protest a proposal to privatize the vehicle inspection centers (mecanique), and competition from foreign drivers.

President of the General Confederation of Lebanese Workers Bechara Asmar stressed that the drivers “only demand their rights and the enforcement of law.”

The protesters plan to block inspection centers around Lebanon.

They blocked the Mount Lebanon Aley highway since early in the morning and plan to head afterwards to Beirut, media reports said.

Roads were also blocked in Nabatieh, the Tripoli-Bahsas highway, Zahle-al-Kark, the Chtoura highway and other.

The Union announced earlier that it will stage a general strike on July 25.

Since 6:00 a.m. campaigners started gathering in various regions across Lebanon. They plan to kick off a march towards the Interior Ministry in Beirut area of Hamra at 9:00 a.m.