Two-day transportation strike begins

A pre-announced two-day transportation strike has begun in Lebanon; many bus driver and taxi union members are participating in the labor action to demand better benefits from the government. It is not known what percentage of drivers are observing the strike, but it is expected to cause some ground transportation disruptions in the country, including in Beirut. Additionally, striking union members were scheduled to hold peaceful sit-in protests from 0900-1100 local time on 19 and 20 November 2008 outside National Social Security Fund (NSSF) offices in several cities, including in Beirut, Mount Lebanon and Nabatieh.