The Histadrut claims that over one-third of the train drivers joined it in early May, and that, by law, their union must be recognized.
The Histadrut (General Federation of Labor in Israel) has declared a labor dispute at the Jerusalem light rail even before it has begun commercial operations. The Histadrut claims that Veolia Transportation SA, one of the owners of the railway's franchisee CityPass has worsened the work conditions and even fired some train drivers after they joined the Histadrut and set up a workers committee.
The Histadrut claims that over one-third of the train drivers joined it in early May, and that, by law, their union must be recognized and negotiations conducted with it. Veolia Transportation Israel's management has agreed to meet the drivers' representatives and the Histadrut soon. However, the company allegedly began targeting the drivers, who claim that they have received summons for a hearing before being laid off.
Veolia Transportation Israel has not yet responded to the report.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on May 24, 2011
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