Spain's highways cleared, but strikers vow to fight on

Associated Press Photo — Scenes like this reportedly have disappeared in Spain, where truck drivers continue their four-day strike.

The Associated Press

6/12/2008

MADRID, Spain — Spain says highways that had been clogged by striking truckers are now clear, but unions behind the four-day-old stoppage are vowing to fight on.

The Interior Ministry says 71 people have been arrested since the strike to protest rising fuel costs began on Monday.

It says in a statement released Thursday that police have escorted more than 6,000 trucks transporting food, fuel and other essentials.

The government has signed an agreement with non-striking unions representing the vast majority of the trucking industry. It calls for tax-relief and other measures to offset soaring fuel costs.

But two unions waging the strike refused to sign. They are sticking by demands for minimum, guaranteed rates for their services.