Shillong, Oct 14: The Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners’ and Drivers’ Association has announced an indefinite strike from October 27 to protest against the “indifferent attitude” of cement plants operating in Jaintia Hills towards local truck owners and drivers.
The decision was taken during a general meeting of the association held at Laitkor on Tuesday. The strike will affect all cement factories functioning in Jaintia Hills.
MCTO&DA spokesperson W. Nongtdu said that despite repeated appeals and representations, the cement plants have failed to address the concerns of local truckers who are being deprived of their allotted trips to transport cement and clinker.
“We have submitted at least two representations to the cement plants, requesting them to give preference to local trucks for transportation. Unfortunately, there has been no response, which has compelled us to take this drastic step,” Nongtdu stated.
Following the decision, the association has given one week’s notice to local dealers to arrange sufficient stock of cement, clinker, and raw materials to avoid shortages during the strike period across Khasi and Jaintia Hills.
He further alleged that trucks from outside the State are being allotted one or two trips per week, while many local trucks struggle to secure even a single trip.
Moreover, he claimed that the transportation rates paid to local trucks are significantly lower than those offered to outside operators — a practice he termed as “highly objectionable.”
