Striking Shanghai truckers return to work

SHANGHAI, April 25 (AFP): Shanghai truckers said Monday they have halted a strike over high fuel costs after authorities met their demands amid fears of wider inflation-related unrest. Trucks loaded with containers could be seen flowing out of the Waigaoqiao cargo terminal on Monday as a long line of drivers waited to pick up cargo after winning a cut in handling fees from the port authority. "The strike is over," a 43-year-old driver who would give only his surname Wang told the reporter as mechanics repaired his flatbed truck near Shanghai's Waigaoqiao cargo terminal. Other drivers also said operations were returning to normal Monday. Hundreds of truck drivers picketed last week at Waigaoqiao and other shipping sites in Shanghai, the world's busiest container port, calling for lower port fees to offset hikes in diesel fuel prices. The strikes prompted a heavy police response to break up the gatherings in a sign of official fears over high inflation, which has a history of sparking unrest in China. The Shanghai Municipal Transport and Port Authority published a set of proposals late Friday in response to the strikers' demands, abolishing or reducing various fees incurred by drivers. Wang said drivers resumed work because they were satisfied with the government's offer. "Fees for moving containers were cut by 30 yuan ($4.60), that's satisfying," he said, adding that his employer had offered to cover any rises in the cost of fuel.