Strike Wave: No Public Transport in Tallinn on March 8
Along with intercity train traffic, public transport in Tallinn will come to a standstill for the better part of 24 hours on March 8 during the biggest strike in Estonia's postwar history.
The notice sent out by the Transport Workers Union states that tram, trolley and bus drivers are participating in a solidarity strike to support the teachers' salary demands. They also say their action, starting at 4:00 and ending at 2:00 the following morning, calls attention to the amendments to collective bargaining legislation, which they say poses risk to transport workers' wages, leave and social security.
"As on the railway, collective agreements in public transport have extremely high importance and they must be honored by the government," said Peep Peterson, head of the union.
Solidarity strikes will be held in Paide and Pärnu County, which will disrupt bus schedules but will not result in complete cancellation as in Tallinn. The first transport strikes in support of teachers will take place in Narva on March 5, where bus drivers will go on strike for five hours. There will be no city or county service during that time.
Truck drivers from a number of companies will also strike, putting signs on their windshields, and Rakvere bus drivers will have a half-hour support picket at their workplace at 9:00.
On March 6y it will be Saaremaa's turn. Local bus drivers will strike between noon and 13:00 in a symbolic showing.
Tartu's ambulance crews will have a picket at 8:00 on Wednesday, and Tartu's bus drivers will join at 9:30.
Road workers in two counties are also considering an all-day stoppage on Friday, March 9, which could potentially leave snow uncleared on state roads.
Kristopher Rikken