The salaries of around 320 drivers at Egged Transportation are expected to increase as part of a new collective agreement signed at the beginning of May between the Transportation Workers Union within the Histadrut, the company’s management, and the workers’ committee.
The agreement is valid for three years and includes an increase in hourly wages for all drivers, along with higher daily meal allowances and overnight stay supplements. It was also determined that drivers at the Eilat branch will be entitled to a quarterly bonus. In addition, after seven years of employment with the company, workers will be eligible for a training fund with the maximum employer contribution rate (7.5%).
Egged Transportation is a subsidiary of Egged and primarily operates organized transportation services for institutions, trips, students, and more.
Attorney Eyal Yadin, chairman of the Transportation Workers Union in the Histadrut, where the agreement signing took place, congratulated and commended the parties for their joint effort to reach an agreement that respects and strengthens the company’s employees.
Attorney Roy Blitental, CEO of the Transportation Workers Union, said: “The Transportation Workers Union continues to improve drivers’ wages and create stability in the industry. Thanks to all the partners who came together to bring real good news to the employees of Egged Transportation as well.”
Attorney Tali Greenberg, manager of the private transportation and land transport division in the union, said: “After lengthy negotiations with the management of Egged Transportation, we reached an excellent agreement for the company’s drivers. The agreement significantly improves the drivers’ salaries and working conditions, and I welcome it. I am proud of all the members of the workers’ committee who acted with determination and responsibility, and I thank my partners along the way, Attorney Natalie Shuchovitzky and Elad Tavchnik, who accompanied the process with professionalism and dedication. We will continue working on behalf of the drivers and for the improvement of their salaries and working conditions.”
Ze'ev Belgali, chairman of the workers’ committee at Egged Transportation, said: “I am happy that we concluded negotiations that were not simple and that mark the beginning of a new chapter in building the company. The agreement benefits the drivers, who are the backbone of the company and its operational force. Our appreciation and thanks go to the Histadrut and its representative, Attorney Tali Greenberg, who acted with exceptional faith and determination to reach this agreement. Thanks to everyone involved in building the agreement, and to the drivers who placed their complete trust in us. Thanks to the committee members, without whose unity and determination we would not have succeeded.”
Those involved in formulating the agreement and leading the negotiations between the parties on behalf of the Histadrut and the Transportation Workers Union included the manager of the private transportation and land transport division, Attorney Tali Greenberg; representative of the Histadrut’s Economics and Policy Department, economist Elad Tavchnik; and the union’s legal advisor, Attorney Natalie Shuchovitzky, a partner at Attorney Elad Morag’s law office.
Representing the company’s management were Hezi Ovadia, CEO of Egged Transportation; Vice President of Human Resources Orit Kamari; Vice President of Operations and Traffic Mohand Saadi; Vice President of Finance Adi Birman Ben David; and the company’s legal advisor, Attorney Sazi Shehar.
Representing the workers’ committee were Ze'ev Belgali, chairman of the company’s workers’ committee, along with committee members Eric Pomerantz, Anan Hipekh, Salem Altouri, Rashid Bashar, Moshe Kopel Eliyahu, and Lior Wilhelm.
