‘Rabbit’ strikers defy return-to-work order

TARLAC CITY — The operations of Philippine Rabbit Bus Lines remained paralysed yesterday, adversely affecting the Holy Week rush of commuters as militant workers defied a return-to-work order issued by the labor department.

Labor Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas warned in her order that the strike "may be exploited by lawless elements to portray an image of instability" in the country.

The firm’s management said they tried to send some buses to ferry commuters travelling between Metro Manila and the Central and Northern Luzon provinces but most drivers and conductors backed out because of alleged threats from the strikers. — Benjie Villa