Romania Govt, Transporters Conclude Protocol, Protests Dropped

"Since the prime minister has not been informed of our issues, it is normal for us to give the Government a chance and we will postpone protests for one or two weeks," said COTAR president Vasile Stefanescu, adding secretary of state within the Ministry of Transport Eusebiu Pistru did not inform the Government, or the transport minister, on the real issues of transporters.

Contacted by MEDIAFAX, Pistru said the accusations made by the COTAR president are unfounded.

"He has constantly accused me within each meeting. I say his accusations are unfounded because we have had a great deal of meetings in my cabinet, as well as in the social dialogue committees," Pistru said.

The protocol concluded states that, within one week, the government will adopt an emergency ordinance against piracy in road transportation, as well as a schedule for the enactment of a unitary transporter law.

Prime Minister Emil Boc invited the COTAR representatives Tuesday to conclude a protocol with the Government regarding their claims, namely the unitary transporter law and the fines for unauthorized transporters.

"If the protocol is not concluded, we will not drop protests. Basically, we want the protocol to include the unitary transporter law and a minister order or an emergency ordinance that would implement fines for piracy," Stefanescu said after a meeting with Boc and Transport Minister Radu Berceanu and before the meeting set for 2 pm.

Boc announced he called the secretaries of state within the Ministries of Interior and Justice to draft an emergency ordinance meant to fight against "piracy" in transportation.

The prime minister added the ordinance, which could be enacted next week, will mainly regulate the road transport conditions for vehicles with nine or less seats.

More than 11,000 Romanian transporters are set to protest on Wednesday and Thursday between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Government's headquarters, demanding fines against unlicensed transport firms, extending authorizations to 2016 and a single law on transports.

If you liked this story, please follow MEDIAFAX.RO on FACEBOOK »

The content of mediafax.ro is for your information only. Republishing or using this content is forbidden without express consent of MEDIAFAX. For this consent, please ask for it by mail at vanzari@mediafax.ro.