Original article: El conflicto camionero escala y presiona a Kast: transportistas del norte convocan paro nacional desde el martes

Truckers’ Conflict Intensifies, National Strike Announced by Northern Transporters in Response to Economic Crisis

The truckers’ conflict continues to escalate, increasing the pressure on José Antonio Kast’s government, following the announcement by the Confederación Fuerza del Norte of a national strike starting at 00:00 hours on Tuesday, November 10.

The organization stated that this action is a response to an “unsustainable economic situation that is pushing hundreds of small and medium transporters to the brink of bankruptcy.”

In a press release, they pointed out that this complex scenario is a result of the significant increase in their operational costs, driven by the «excessive rise in diesel prices» and the «indifference of cargo generators» due to the lack of adjustments in the rates they receive for freight.

“The constant rise in fuel prices has completely absorbed the incomes of the sector,” they stated.

“We denounce the complete lack of willingness from large companies to adjust freight rates according to the current cost realities,” they expressed in their statement.

Fuerza del Norte made it clear that with the national strike, they aim to open formal negotiation channels and do not intend to harm the public.

“We are not mobilizing to disrupt the country but to defend our livelihoods and our families. When the small transporter goes bankrupt, the entire productive chain of real Chile is affected,” they declared.

They also called on business owners and Kast’s administration to implement channels for dialogue and to take measures that address their demands.

“We demand the immediate opening of formal dialogue channels with concrete solutions that regulate the impact of diesel and guarantee fair treatment from cargo generators,” they indicated in the statement, reaffirming that the strike is in defense of “the dignity and survival of the small transporter.”

Truckers’ Conflict Continues to Escalate

It is important to recall that the truckers’ conflict has been escalating over the past few weeks, and José Antonio Kast’s government is facing a buildup of strikes.

Small and medium transport companies grouped in Fenatrac – Fuerza Tolvera have also called for a halt in the Metropolitan Region this week.

The organization warned that the rise in fuel prices, increased TAG and toll fees, along with rising operational costs, are jeopardizing the continuity of hundreds of small businesses.

Meanwhile, protests have emerged in Bio Bío and San Antonio.

Independent truckers in San Antonio have been on an indefinite strike since October 28 and have yet to reach an agreement with cargo generators.

This action has led to about 2,500 containers being stranded at the port, raising concerns ahead of the upcoming fruit export season, set to begin this Monday.