face carrier from Extremadura This Saturday in Mérida the central government has moved to pass a law aimed at preventing under-costs work, a measure that would set clear minimums for freight pricing. If no decisive response is received, protests that were paused on April 2 are set to resume. Germán Martínez, the Extremadura coordinator for the Platform for the Defense of Cargo Transport, stated that unless action is taken by June 30, a strike is likely to be announced for July 1. The tension sits at the intersection of policy, pricing, and practical livelihood for drivers who face tight margins in a volatile market.
During media interactions, the carrier representative noted that Raquel Sánchez, the Minister of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda, had committed to presenting a draft law by the end of July. The proposal is intended to apply the principles of the Food Chain Law to the transport sector so truckers do not operate at a loss. The spokesperson underscored that the group seeks clarity, as there has been little official update on progress, leaving long-standing questions unresolved for those on the road.
Martínez added that Manuel Hernández, the national head of the platform, sent a formal letter to the Ministry ten days prior in hopes of obtaining a clear status update. To date, no response has been received. Meanwhile, Guillermo Fernández Vara, the regional president, expressed frustration at not being summoned to talks. He emphasized that although he was aware of the concerns, there had been no direct outreach to discuss them, which has only deepened a sense of being sidelined in the process.
Martínez described the situation as worse than at the outset of the strike, noting that diesel prices have continued to climb and that the impact is felt across the entire supply chain. He pointed out that drivers are currently offered a price increase of 20 cents before value-added tax and that the government demands VAT on top of that, which effectively erodes earnings. The central question remains how the government defines a fair price for transport services while ensuring operators can work with dignity and security. The core demand is a legislative guarantee that supports sustainable wages and predictable operating conditions.
The article notes a strong call for regulatory clarity and a commitment to developing a framework that would protect trucking livelihoods while maintaining market competitiveness. The platform argues that a robust policy should include transparent pricing mechanisms, timely dispute resolution, and enforceable standards that prevent pricing practices from eroding profit margins. Advocates stress that such measures would reduce the need for disruption and help maintain steady supply lines for consumers and businesses alike, particularly in regions dependent on efficient freight movement.
Support from related industries
Representatives from other groups connected to the transportation sector joined the demonstration to publicly back the trucking community’s demands. The Entrepreneurs Association Apyme Vegas Altas and La Serena indicated that the responsibility for navigating the present crisis lies with all affected parties and urged a collective approach. They argued that pausing operations again would be unacceptable and called for immediate discussions to reach a mutual agreement that protects jobs and economic stability across sectors.
Similarly, Domingo Álvarez, the spokesperson for the Association of Cooks and Pastry Chefs Extremadura (ACIRE), highlighted the broader impact of the trucking issue on the wider economy. He noted consequences for customers, employees, and businesses, and voiced support for pursuing a negotiated solution before any new indefinite strike occurs. His comments stressed the urgency of finding practical compromises that can sustain daily operations while addressing the underlying pricing concerns.
The sentiment shared by these allied groups underscores a broader consensus that stability in freight pricing and predictable policies are essential for the local economy. Stakeholders hope for a mechanism that can balance the needs of drivers with the realities of the market, ensuring that transport services remain reliable and affordable for enterprises and households alike while maintaining fair wages and working conditions for those on the road. The conversation is expected to continue as authorities and industry representatives seek a pathway that avoids renewed disruptions.