Bus drivers from two major companies strike for better conditions, more pay

Bus drivers from two major bus companies in Israel went on strike for a few hours on Sunday morning, complaining of unsatisfactory working conditions and a lack of manpower.

The worker’s unions have threatened to strike every Monday over the coming month if their demands are not met.

The industrial action disrupted several bus routes across the country during the rush hour.

Unionized workers from the Superbus and Elektra Afikim transport companies protested from 5 a.m. until 8:30 a.m., frustrating commuters.

Routes in the Jerusalem area, Afula, Tiberias and Migdal Haemek, intercity buses between Jerusalem and Beersheba, and Haifa’s rapid transit routes were disrupted by the strike.

Drivers gathered to demonstrate in Jerusalem and as well as at Haifa Central Station.

The workers union said drivers had low salaries, and that there was a manpower shortage of approximately 4,000 drivers.

Raed Mashaal, chair of the Elektra Afikim Transport Workers Committee, said that the unionized drivers had shown restraint until now, but that striking was the only way for them to be given a raise.

“Unfortunately, this is the way conditions for drivers have been changed in the past: in 2015 and in 2018 we conducted strikes for an increase in wages,” he said, and added that he hoped the companies and the state would present “beneficial solutions” to eliminate the need for further stoppages.