Radio “Azatlyk” reports that on 5 November, 2021 about 30 drivers of the transport enterprise “Lebapavtoulag” refused to go to work in Turkmenabat.
The reason behind the strike is that an order issued in Ashgabat restricts the number of passengers allowed in one bus at a time to 10. If there are more passengers, drivers need to submit explanatory reports. In case of a second violation, they might face dismissal.
However, the executives have not amended the revenue target of 300 manats a day. If it is not achieved, drivers will also face termination.
“If you take on less than 10 passengers on board, it is impossible to achieve execute the daily target of 300 manats.If we fail to execute the plan, we are obliged to write an explanatory statement and can be fired.
Our supervisor said that he will personally control how we fulfill these requirements”, – one of the drivers employed in the transport enterprise said.
“Chronicles of Turkmenistan” previously reported that attempts by drivers to fulfill the s sales result in irresponsible driving and road accidents.
Radio “Azatlyk” also reports that on 1 November, 2021 vendors and owners of retail outlets in market №5 in Turkmenabat organized a spontaneous protest against the extension of quarantine restrictions.
Vendors who had been awaiting the market reopening on 1 November, gathered at the entrance for over 8 hours and then joined hands to cordon off Anul street where the bazaar is located.
The police officers who arrived at the protest in five police vehicles were unable to disperse the protesters and had to summon reinforcement. Those detained were taken away in the police vehicles. There is no further information.
According to the news outlet Turkmen News, which also reported the incident, about one hundred people who had congregated in front of the regional khyakimlik’s office complained that unlike other bazaars which are operating illegally, market №5 (which sells a wide range of non-grocery items – clothes, household appliances and electronics) is completely closed and they are unable to provide for their families.
“The protest failed because the authorities do not plan to lift the restrictions.They have offered to help residents but it is not clear what kind of assistance will be provided.
The market has been closed for five consecutive days”, – a source at the news outlet reports.The post Turkmenabat’s drivers and vendors protest COVID-19 restrictions first appeared on Chronicles of Turkmenistan.