Argentina deploys security forces against truckers
Jun 21, 2012, 4:12 PM
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) – Argentine President Cristina Fernandez has ordered security forces to clear access to fuel refineries blocked by truckers demanding pay increases.
In response, the powerful truckers union declared a national strike that could cause shortages in fuel and food.
The truckers began blocking access roads to Argentina’s main refineries late Tuesday after talks with the government over a 30 percent pay hike broke down.
As the protest started generating fuel shortages Wednesday, Fernandez returned home early from a U.N. conference on sustainable development in Rio de Janeiro and ordered security forces, including military police, to clear access to and from the refineries.
Transportation minister Florencio Randazzo said a legal complaint will be filed against the head of the truckers union, Hugo Moyano, for the action. Moyano has clashed with Fernandez.
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