Bus drivers are threatening to strike Tuesday (March 21) beginning at 5 am if the government cannot come to an agreement with the company’s management over a subsidy by that deadline.
Histadrut Labor Federation chairman Avi Nissenkorn said in a statement on Sunday evening the two sides haven’t been able to agree on the amount of the government subsidy for Egged operations in the next few years.
“For more than a year and a half, time after time, I warned about the deepening crisis, but the Transportation and Finance Ministries took advantage of the responsible behavior of the Histadrut and the workers, and continued to dry up Egged,” said Nissenkorn.
“Those who have already paid for this conduct are the drivers, but on the table there is a much higher price. The Transportation and Finance ministries are taking a risk that could bring down Egged, while causing a fatal blow to the transportation industry in Israel.”
So if you’re a commuter who relies on an Egged bus to get to work or school, be warned: You may need to make other arrangements for transportation on Tuesday if the two sides have not reached an agreement by 5 am. It’s true there are other bus companies, but that’s not necessarily the case in all cities, and it’s not the case in all areas of all cities where there are other companies either, so allow extra time for your morning commute.