A wildcat strike by locomotive drivers will likely disrupt train service this afternoon, after 35 drivers called in sick. Israel Railways management said in response, "We will take disciplinary measures against the strikers." It also sent doctors to the homes of the train drivers who called in sick to check their claims.
In the notice slamming the strikers, Israel Railways management said, "In the past few days, we've seen a greater than usual number of absenteeism by employees seen vacationing. Disciplinary measures will be taken against these employees. This conduct is liable to disrupt train service and damage the company's efforts to improve passenger services."
Sources at Israel Railways said that the train drivers' actions were apparently over changes in their job conditions, following scheduling changes in the south. Over the past week, the train drivers have been protesting these changes, which increase their work hours, but management insists on implementing them.
In rejecting the workers' claims, Israel Railways management says that if the labor disruptions continue, it will have to cancel several trains this afternoon.
Israel Railways workers committee said in response, "This is not industrial action. We're seeing the real collapse of the train drivers. They are collapsing under the workload. Instead of investigating and monitoring the drivers, management should examine itself by allowing a driver who carries thousands of passengers to work such long hours, sometimes nine or twelve hours, without rest. This is real negligence and contempt of passengers' lives. Drivers are afraid to drive."
A similar incident occurred in May, when 33 locomotive drivers called in sick to protest their job conditions. They said that they would not show up for work because of the changes in shifts, which extended their work hours.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on August 7, 2013
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