Trucker strike results in salmon going to waste
The protest is a manifestation of discontent on behalf of the association of truckers’ unions that circulate between Chiloé Island and the mainland, regarding the slow or rather stagnant initiation of the Connectivity Plan proposed by the government. In the year 2004 President Ricardo Lagos had announced the approval of the construction of a bridge that would connect Chiloé Island to the mainland, but shortly before the end of his presidential term in 2005 the plan was cancelled. In its place the government announced the development of a Connectivity Plan that intended to greatly improve the maritime and land transport system throughout Chile’s entire southern region. Nearly three years have passed and no improvement in connectivity has been made between the channel separating Chiloé from the mainland. According to el Mercurio the truckers intend to continue with the strike until union leaders are able to make some headway in a meeting with the Minister of Public Works and Transport, Minister of the Economy, and Minister of the Interior. Results of the meeting should be known by late Friday.
