Truckers say no to transport strikes for now

Swiss truck drivers will not be striking and or forming blockades over high fuel prices, the country's commercial transport association, Astag, has announced.

Following a committee meeting, Astag said in a statement on Friday that for the time being strikes were an ineffective way to address the grievances of its members.

The association said it was worried by the “dramatic price explosion” of diesel fuel – currently selling for SFr2.25 ($2.15) per litre – and expressed concern over high taxes faced by the road transport sector.

Supplies of some goods have been disrupted across Europe – including in Switzerland – over job action in Spain that claimed the lives of two workers.

Astag did not rule out strikes though, noting that recent action by Swiss milk producers and rail cargo workers had prompted government intervention.

“Politicians and the public repeatedly responded in recent months to strikes,” it said.

The association has called for a dialogue with the federal authorities before it makes its next move.