North Macedonia: Bus drivers plan indefinite strike and roadblock protests in Skopje from Dec. 5

Event

Private bus drivers who provide public transport services for the city of Skopje plan to strike and hold roadblock protests throughout the North Macedonian capital starting Dec. 5. Strike participants have threatened to block most main roads in the city center. The decision to walk off the job is in reaction to the mayor's rejection of the drivers' compensation demands during recent negotiations. The bus operators state that the action will continue until their demands are met.

The work stoppage will severely impact Skopje's public transport operations and likely prompt overcrowding on available transportation services. Localized traffic disruptions are also likely due to roadblocks set up by drivers; many roads in the city center could be closed to traffic for several hours at a time.

Advice

Allow extra time for travel in central Skopje for the duration of the strike. Reconfirm public transport schedules. Avoid any protests as a routine security precaution.