Wave of violence on buses • Workers' Power declared a labor dispute at Superbus

(haipo) Following the increase in cases of violence against drivers and visitors on public transportation, the Transportation Workers' Union has declared a labor dispute at Superbus. If there is no change in the company's management's position, In about two weeks, workers will be able to shut down lines In Jerusalem, Haifa (Matronit), Afula, Tiberias, Yokneam, Beit Shean and other cities.

11 serious cases of violence on Superbus lines across the country

The notice of the labor dispute was delivered yesterday, 12/8/25, to the Superbus management, and it stems, according to the union, from "the management's helplessness in dealing with the severe and increasing violence on the buses." In the past month alone, 11 serious incidents of violence have occurred on Superbus lines across the country, including stone-throwing, physical assaults, and the use of tear gas. Several of the most recent incidents occurred last weekend.

According to the union, although the Ministry of Transportation allows public transportation companies to shut down lines for two hours following serious assaults, Superbus management refrains from exercising this option and even refuses to hold talks with the workers' committee on practical solutions that are under its direct responsibility.

The Union of Forced Transportation Committees for Employees: "It is impossible that on a serious issue like a threat to the safety of drivers, Superbus management refuses to lift a finger. How much more tear gas will the workers be forced to absorb?"

Micha Vaknin, Chairman of the Superbus Workers' Committee and Chairman of the Workers' Power Representatives Assembly, He sharply criticizes the company's management: "We have made it clear to management that indifference towards the harm to employees will not pass in silence. Management knows well how to pull out cameras on buses to fine drivers for minor disciplinary offenses, but delays for bureaucratic reasons in transferring materials to the police when a driver or visitor is attacked. This escape from responsibility is in our blood. We call on drivers in all companies to join the fight. Statements and conferences do not change reality, it is time to act."

Itai Cohen, head of the transportation branch for workers, also Describes a worrying phenomenon of planned violence:
"Recently, we have witnessed an increase in systematic violence on the lines, mainly in Jerusalem and on the lines operated by Superbus. Groups of boys open the emergency valves, force the driver to get off the bus, and then violently attack him, often with racist chants. If the company refuses to shut down lines because of an organized attack on the workers, it is not clear what it is doing."

Cohen also called on the Israel Police to increase their presence and enforcement on routes prone to disaster, and for the Minister of Transportation to promote recognition of public transportation workers as public servants: "There is no public transportation without public servants. Anyone who attacks a bus driver should be punished accordingly."

Beyond the issue of violence, the workers point out a series of violations in the terms of employment, including the failure to pay bonuses for the absence of accidents and the partial payment of seniority benefits, contrary to agreements reached with the workers' committee. "The company's contempt is expressed in all aspects of employment," the committee says. "It's no wonder that someone who doesn't care about the safety of their workers also doesn't meet basic payments."

From the Superbus company it was delivered to Lai Fah: "Superbus operates in all legal ways to maintain the safety of drivers, visitors and passengers. The company employs a full-time security officer, bouncers at sensitive points, in full cooperation with the police and security officials. Just yesterday, thanks to the documentation we provided, indictments were filed against suspects in driver assaults.

Instead of assisting and helping with the issue, the organization 'Power for Workers' chooses to spread baseless accusations, when the opposite is true. In cases of injury, the company accompanies every injured employee and provides them with full assistance throughout the recovery process.
The choice to shut down lines harms hundreds of thousands of passengers and there is no justification for this. Wherever danger looms, Superbus diverted the lines in coordination with the Ministry of Transportation and enforcement agencies. Superbus will continue to act decisively, responsibly and without compromise for the safety of drivers, visitors and passengers, as it does every day."