Disruptions in the services of the Jerusalem light rail are expected to escalate today. Last night many drivers cried off from work today due to illness, and this morning one third of drivers reported that they were sick.
However, the management of CityPass, the franchisee operating the Jerusalem light rail, claims that this is an illegal attempt by drivers to improve their employment terms that violates a labor court ruling last month.
CityPass said, "To our regret, the Histadrut trade union is unable to control its representatives among the drivers and the disruptions are rapidly becoming a wildcat strike without any restraints. The harm to the public is intolerable and the timing during the Sukkot holiday's intermediary days is not accidental and is particularly infuriating."
CityPass management has appealed to the labor court compel employees to return to work and prevent harm to the public during the holiday.
The Ministry of Transport has added more buses to lines running along the light rail route including Egged lines 20, 21, 23, 24, 27 and 29 between Har Herzl and the Central Bus Station. A route will be added from Pisgat Ze'ev to the city center.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on September 29, 2015
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