Negotiations to end the strike that shut down Jerusalem light rail service have resulted in agreement. Striking train drivers have told the National Labor Court they will be resuming operations in the coming hours.

The strike, which was timed to coincide with chol hamoed Sukkos left many Israelis angered, including the tens of thousands of visitors to the Old City who planned to enjoy a ride on Jerusalem’s latest form of public transportation. Many questioned the chutzpa of train operators, who have only recently come on the job and have already adopted the national custom of launching a labor strike.

While a number of issues need to be ironed out, the striking workers signaled agreement and a willingness to return to work and workout remaining issues down the road.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)