A general strike Tuesday that has been called by the National Chamber of Transport (Canatra) has not been widely supported within the sector.

A number of groups have announced they will not support the work stoppage.

Union of Drivers of La Chorrera leader Eliecer Montenegro said that the stoppage has been called about the proliferation of vehicles and buses illegally serving passengers.

"Piracy reigns and nobody does anything," said Montenegro.

He added that Canatra requested a meeting with President Juan Carlos Varela, but so far they have not received a response.

Montenegro said that although not all bus routes are affiliated with Canatra, the cessation of the service will affect almost every province in the country.

The Transport Council of the Interior (Cotradin) warned that it will not support the strike. It represents 90 percent of the carriers across the country.

Transit agency ATTT Director Julio González said that in recent days he has had discussions with leaders of Canatra, but that nevertheless they have decided to go on strike.

La Prensa