Environment Minister João Pedro Matos Fernandes revealed earlier today that none of the six drivers who were supposed to have transported fuel to Faro airport for airplane use did so this morning, an "unambiguous" breach of the civil requisition.
Matos Fernandes also said at a press conference at the Ministry of the Environment, in Lisbon, that six members of the GNR had to take it upon themselves to ensure that this role, which is essential to the maintenance of Faro airport, is carried out.
"The morning started well until 7am," the official said, reiterating that the minimum services were being met, up until the fuel truck driver’s Trade Union attorney's statement revealed that they would not perform any of the minimum services today.
"There was a near-gridlock period between 7am and 10am," said the minister.
However, Matos Fernandes stressed that this morning had been a lot more positive than yesterday. At many locations throughout the country distribution is at 100%, and minimum services are being met. In Sines, the Environment Minister explained that they are even "exceededing the minimum services”.
Today is the third day of the fuel truck drivers’ indefinite strike, which prompted the Government to issue civil requisition on Monday afternoon, however, they have alleged non-compliance with minimum services in some cases. The transportation of fuel to Faro airport being one.
This Wednesday morning, the spokesman for the drivers' union said workers would not perform minimum services or civil requisition in solidarity with colleagues who were suffered consequences for not working on Tuesday.
The strike that began on Monday was called by the National Union of Hazardous Drivers (SNMMP) and the Independent Union of Freight Drivers (SIMM) in order to ensure the Government’s compliance with an agreement signed in May, which promised wage increases.
