(haipo) – The Workers’ Transportation Union has declared a sectoral labor dispute in the companies: Superbus, Dan Ba Darom and Electra Afikim Transportation 2021, in protest of the non-payment of full wages to employees during Operation “The Roar of the Lion” and the lack of a risk bonus. If a solution is not found soon, the union could shut down major lines across the country within two weeks, including the Metro in Haifa, lines in Jerusalem, Ashkelon, Afula, Ma’ale Adumim and more.
Labor dispute due to violation of wages and rights
The union announced that the drivers and inspectors did not receive full pay for the days of fighting, including basic social rights. In addition, the union is demanding additional risk for work during the emergency period, work that was sometimes carried out without protected spaces and under the real threat of gunfire and missiles.
According to the union, "The Ministry of Transportation and the companies insist on driving drivers out of an industry that is already collapsing."
The possible shutdown of major lines across the country
If a solution is not reached, the union could shut down many lines, including:
- About 25% of the urban lines in Jerusalem
- Lines in Ma'ale Adumim
- Lines in Ashkelon, Netivot and Sderot
- Metro lines in Haifa
- Lines in Afula, Yokneam, Tiberias, Beit Shean, Migdal HaEmek, Usfiya and Dalit El-Carmel
- Intercity lines to Haifa, Jerusalem and Beer Sheva
The meaning: widespread damage to public transportation during a sensitive period.
Transportation is essential — but activity is limited
During Operation Roaring Harrier, public transportation was designated as part of the essential economy, but operated at only 30%–60% of its normal capacity.
the meaning:
- Many drivers were employed intermittently
- Some worked only limited hours.
- Others were unable to report to work due to caring for children or family members.
- In some companies, wages were not properly regulated.
At the same time, drivers who actually worked did so without appropriate protection, and during the fighting, several drivers were even injured by falling missiles and shrapnel.
The union's demand: Implement the "Am Klavya" outline
The union demands that a similar outline be implemented to that previously achieved in the struggle against the "Am Klavya" company:
- Full payment for all days of war
- Salary supplement for employees who were not actually employed
- Increased risk for employees who were required to work under real threat
According to the union, this is 40 days of fighting, far beyond the 12 days included in the previous outline.
March wages partially paid — and April in question
According to the union, March salaries were only partially paid, and the companies have not yet committed to paying full salaries for April, a month in which there was also limited activity.
"What are you waiting for? The workers risked their lives"
Itai Cohen, head of the Workers' Power Transportation Branch, said: "The war may have surprised us all, but not the need for compensation for workers. The outline should have been implemented from day one. Why hurt the pockets of tens of thousands of workers who risked their lives?"
Cohen added that public transportation drivers are not recognized as public employees and are forced to "fight for basic rights."
"We worked without protection — and we only ask for basic recognition"
Michael Vaknin, chairman of the Superbus workers' committee, described the reality on the ground: "We drive on roads without protection, under missile barrages. For 40 days we gave it our all, but our wages were affected. We are asking for an additional risk that will express appreciation and provide motivation to stay in the industry."
Vaknin noted that last summer the workers were forced to strike to receive their rights, and clarifies: "If we have to, we will do it again."
Is a broad strike expected?
If a solution is not reached in the coming days, the public transportation industry could face one of the largest strikes in recent years, a strike that will affect hundreds of thousands of passengers every day.
The union calls on the Ministry of Transportation and companies to "prevent unnecessary harm to the public and regulate workers' rights."
It's time to disable the TAC.
All over the country!!!
The "transparent" drivers became war
"Transparent" under fire!!! Risk without adequate reward
And they were hurt both physically and financially!!!
Why not all the bus companies together? What needs to be done so that all the missing are partners in the fight.
I haven't worked for 40 days and I'm not entitled to sick days. Where will I pay my mortgage? Where will I pay my family expenses?
But there is money to fund evasive parasites.
Why are you insulting the bus drivers?
Unlike in the past, a driver does not have to serve in the army to learn to drive a public vehicle.
And the fact that some of them get a driver's license (which privately costs about 25,000 shekels) at the expense of the company, or the state in fact, without serving or contributing anything to the state is not their fault either, but the law's.