Move to break hearse cartel sparks transport strike in Malta
VALLETTA (AFP) — A move by the Maltese government to unlock a death grip on hearses by just 11 undertakers met with an indefinite, nationwide transport strike on Monday.
Buses, minibuses and taxis blocked major arteries across the Mediterranean island state, notably around the capital Valletta and the tourist area of Sliema, to protest against the decision to offer more licenses to hearse operators.
Scuffles broke out between striking transport workers and police when the workers marched on the prime minister's office in Valletta, the Auberge de Castille. A few people were arrested but no injuries were reported.
"This is not a question of hearses' monopoly (only)," said Transport Federation president Victor Spiteri. "This is the first step at abolishing monopoly in all sectors of public transport."
He added: "The government is blocking our livelihoods."
Police Commissioner John Rizzo sought a meeting with Spiteri to calm the protest.
Transport Minister Austin Gatt meanwhile wrote in a letter to Spiteri on Monday that the decision to liberalise licensing for hearses was not final.
