In the ongoing confrontation between management and employees at Israel Railways, 15 train drivers called in sick today. Management claims that this was a coordinated move. Nevertheless, there has been no disruption in train schedules.
Israel Railways management claims that the mass sick call in was an attempt by employees to pressure management. Employees oppose changes that Israel Railways CEO Yitzhak Harel is instituting in the passenger division in wake of recent safety incidents.
Harel ordered an inquiry into the planned absenteeism. He also instructed deputy CEO of passengers Moshe Amsalem to immediately return to work train drivers who are now being questioned.
Israel Railways said, "The CEO has set a policy of zero tolerance on such actions, and if it is found that the drivers did not come to work without permission, they will be severely punished."
Israel Railways management has asked the Histadrut (General Federation of Labor in Israel) to take harsh measures against disruptive workers.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on September 23, 2009
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