Public transportation in Jerusalem is essential to all, and perhaps even more so in the chareidi community. This is even more so on a day like Election Day, when so many people are relying on bus service to get to a polling station.

To the dismay of many voters and area residents, there were delays in service on Tuesday pertaining to areas serviced by ‘Egged Transportation’ (אגד תעבורה), which is a separate legal entity, but in the eyes of commuters, a part of the Egged Company.

Drivers working for the company selected Election Day to carry out work sanctions as management recently announced it is going to reduce driver wages for those working in the Jerusalem region on Election Day. Drivers on lines servicing the Jerusalem-Maale Adumim line, Mevasseret Tzion and Givat Ze’ev were impacted by the driver sanctions.

In addition, 80% of the lines are not operating at all. Spokesmen for the drivers insists the sanctions could have and should have been avoided but management was not offering an attentive ear.

Management explain they it notified drivers on Monday of their intention not to report to work on Election Day was an illegal act. Management also warned that drivers who did not report to work may be liable and compelled to make monetary compensation for loss incurred by the company.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)