Many sectors of Israel’s workforce have become dependent on Muslim workers, including construction and drivers, and this is particularly apparent during the month of Ramadan when some services halt or are significantly cut. During Ramadan, when workers are fasting, their performance is compromised and often, they call it a day early, especially this year when Ramadan falls during a hot period.
The Metropolin Bus Company has been compelled to cancel lines; four times in one week as a matter of fact, due to drivers observing Ramadan not showing for work. The result of this is that residents and of Dimona found themselves stranded, waiting well over an hour. When the company was called, they were unaware the bus hadn’t been running. While anxious passengers were instructed to wait, the bus never arrived. The drivers appear to have decided not to come in but never notified the company supervisor.
There were reports of people being stranded on Sunday and Thursday, leaving workers, students and commuters out in the heat with no ability of getting to their destination on time.
While Israel permits freedom of religion, this is one small example that highlights just how dependent Israel has become on its Arab workforce.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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4 Responses
Metropolitan was not the only bus company suffering. Other companies just cancelled bus lines that have been running for years with no prior interruptions necessary during Ramadan. This must be an exceptional year?????
“one small example that highlights just how dependent Israel has become on its Arab workforce” more like how undependable some worker can be!
If they are late, they should have the courtesy to call and inform the bus company!
nechoma- I kind of wondered the same thing, but it appears to me that there are now more lines than past years and in my area a lot more drivers are Moslem, but after tomorrow all will return to normal.
garlic- the problem with various lines was published a few days before the holiday, so it was known, and there are not enough substitutes. Kind of like our holidays when people inform management of upcoming absenteeism.