Hundreds of Bus Drivers Plan Five-Hour Strike in West Bank Over Safety and Pay Concerns

Hundreds of bus drivers and employees of the Israeli public transportation company Tnuva are set to stage a five-hour warning strike today, Monday, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The strike will affect over 400 workers and is expected to cause disruptions and delays on bus lines serving the West Bank, particularly the Samaria region and the Jerusalem corridor.

The drivers' union cites ongoing issues with bus maintenance and uncertainty regarding wages and social benefits as the main reasons for the strike. Workers report persistent mechanical faults that compromise both their safety and that of passengers. Additionally, there are concerns about delayed salary payments and social security contributions.

Israel Ganon, chairman of the Public Transportation Drivers Organization, emphasized that operating buses with maintenance deficiencies is unacceptable and that employees must receive their rightful pay and benefits. He stated, "Passenger safety and workers' rights are non-negotiable."

The union clarified that the strike aims to pressure management to resolve these issues and ensure safe, reliable transportation without harming passengers unnecessarily. The Histadrut labor federation and the drivers' organization have called on the Ministry of Transportation and Tnuva's management to intervene promptly to end the crisis and prevent further service disruptions.

Tnuva responded that it is working to maintain proper service and is engaged in dialogue with employees to resolve the disputes.