Strike cripples Israel's train services
Israel Railways workers' union launches surprise strike following arrest of fellow union members who protested in backdrop of privatization prospects
On Wednesday, Israel Railways workers protested outside the home of the company's incoming board chairman Uri Yogev, who they claim endorses privatizing sections of Israel Railways. A surprise strike was launched following the arrest.
The Ramle Magistrate's Court released the 10 workers under restrictions on Thursday.
Tel Aviv Labor Court Judge Efrat Laskar issued a temporary injunction early on Thursday forcing railway workers to resume operations and later extended it until Monday morning. "The soldiers will go home for Shabbat and wheels will be set into motion without disruption," she ruled.
However, many train stations remained closed Thursday morning forcing passengers to seek alternative means of transportation.
Platforms were empty in Tel Aviv's train stations and sealed off with orange ribbons. Passengers were greeted with posters informing them of the strike in the Tel Aviv Center - Savidor station.
"We are trying to resume operations but it is proving difficult as all our union members are detained," Transport Workers Union Chairman Avi Edri said.
Yoav Zitun, Boaz Fyler, Ilana Curiel, Ahiya Raved and Hillel Posek contributed to this report
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