Santa Cruz: Urban and Cooperative Transport Will Not Comply with National Strike Called by Confederation of Drivers

In a move that defies the national call for a strike, the urban and cooperative transport sectors in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, have declared they will continue operating normally. El Deber reports that these transport providers are opting for dialogue over disruption, a decision rooted in their commitment to serving the public and their own economic realities. Ronald García, president of the Departmental Federation of Transport Cooperatives Santa Cruz (Fedectrans), confirmed that his sector will work as usual, emphasizing their belief in finding solutions through conversation rather than confrontation.

This stance is particularly significant as it contrasts with the national strike organized by the Confederation Sindical de Chóferes de Bolivia, which cited grievances over fuel quality, engine repairs, and road maintenance. García explained that Fedectrans has already engaged in discussions with the Minister of Public Works, Services, and Housing, Mauricio Zamora, and has further meetings planned with the Minister of Hydrocarbons and Energies, Carlos Marcelo Blanco. Key agenda items include ensuring a stable supply of quality diesel and gasoline, facilitating the conversion of transport units to gas, and securing investment for road repairs.

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No vamos a acatar el paro. Vamos a salir a trabajar con normalidad porque estamos apostando al diálogo

Mario Guerrero, a secretary for one of the urban transport unions in Santa Cruz, echoed García's sentiments, stating that their decision is twofold: to serve their users, especially students and workers who rely on their services, and to address their own precarious economic situation. The transport sector in Bolivia, like many others, has been hit hard by economic challenges, and a prolonged strike could exacerbate these difficulties. By continuing operations, they signal a pragmatic approach to problem-solving, prioritizing immediate needs and ongoing negotiations.

While some interprovincial and intermunicipal transport affiliates are expected to join the national strike, the decision by the dominant urban and cooperative sectors in Santa Cruz to remain operational highlights a regional divergence in strategy. This local perspective is crucial; it shows that Bolivia's complex transport network is not monolithic. The commitment to dialogue and user service, even amidst national calls for protest, reflects a localized understanding of priorities and a desire to maintain stability within the Santa Cruz region. This approach underscores the importance of direct engagement between transport operators and government officials to address pressing issues affecting daily life and the economy.

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No vamos al paro porque, en primer lugar, lo hacemos por nuestro usuario; en especial por los estudiantes y los trabajadores. Y, en segundo lugar, nuestra economía está muy golpeada