Truckers close Shanghai port

Truck drivers have shut down the world’s biggest port—for five days.

And their strike has forced significant concessions from bosses and the Chinese government.

Drivers in Shanghai were striking against increases in port service charges linked to rising fuel costs (see column, left).

Hundreds of trucks and workers blocked the entrances to the port—a number of pickets were dragged away by police (picture).

As Shanghai ground to a halt, the government convinced the Shanghai Municipal Transport and Port Authority to cancel a fuel surcharge and lower other charges. Government officials were due to meet truck driver representatives as Socialist Worker went to press.

Some drivers say they will continue their action unless offered a better deal.