Bus drivers in N.Macedonia block roads, launch indefinite strike

More than 200 buses block roads of Skopje as drivers demand outstanding payment of $1.58M from municipality

By Talha Ozturk and Furkan Abdula

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - Bus drivers in North Macedonia on Monday began an indefinite strike and blocked roads in the capital Skopje.

Staff from private companies Sloboda Prevoz and Makekspres closed two important intersections and a boulevard in the capital with over 200 of their buses.

Representatives of the two companies said the Skopje Municipality should clear outstanding dues of at least 1.5 million euros ($1.58 million).

The bus drivers are allowing only ambulances to pass through.

Protests have been organized by private bus companies before, and the central government has been called upon to mediate in their dispute with the municipality.

The work stoppage severely impacts Skopje's public transport operations and will likely prompt overcrowding on available transportation services.

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