Drivers Union: 48 hours deadline for the government before deciding on escalatory steps

Hebron - Ofoq News - The head of the General Union of Public Transport Workers in Palestine, Alaa Mayasi, warned of the seriousness of the conditions facing the transportation sector, stressing that the sector has reached the “red line” as a result of the significant increase in fuel prices, especially diesel, and the worsening operational and economic burdens that threaten the ability of drivers to continue working and secure their minimum income.

Mayasi revealed the details of a lengthy meeting that brought together representatives of the transportation sector in the Palestinian government, and it ended without reaching results that met the demands of workers in the sector, noting that the decision to suspend the strike that was scheduled to be implemented came after the intervention of several parties and mediators, and the provision of an additional period of 48 hours to complete the dialogue and search for practical solutions that would do justice to drivers and reduce the burdens accumulating on them.

Mayasi’s statements came during an interview with journalist Riyad Khamis, as part of the “Good Morning to You” program, which is broadcast on Ma’an satellite channel, Ma’an radio network, and Al-Faba Radio.

A long meeting with the government without results that meet the demands

Mayasi explained that the meeting with the government continued for long hours, and did not end until after eight o’clock in the evening, in light of discussions that addressed the economic and operational challenges facing the public transportation sector, most notably the significant rise in diesel prices and its direct repercussions on drivers’ income and their ability to continue working.

He said that the meeting ended without achieving the results that the union had aspired to, which prompted consultations with the Union of Taxi Office Owners and the Union of Bus Company Owners, before several parties intervened to demand that the dialogue be given an additional opportunity.

He stated that these interventions resulted in an agreement to allow another 48 hours to continue the discussion with the government, with the aim of reaching satisfactory solutions that reduce the burden on drivers and maintain the continuity of the sector’s work.

He stressed that the diesel issue topped the union demands during the meeting, as it is one of the most prominent factors that directly and significantly affected the income of workers in public transportation, and has become a burden that is difficult to bear in light of the current economic conditions.

48 hours for dialogue... and the union confirms that it is not waiting for new promises

In response to questions about the nature of government promises and the possibility of waiting for fuel prices to change at the beginning of next month, Mayasi explained that the union presented its demands clearly, and that the current stage will witness intensive meetings to search for effective support mechanisms for the sector.

He stressed that the granted deadline does not mean just waiting for government decisions, but rather represents a specific opportunity to conduct a serious dialogue that leads to practical, implementable measures.

Mayasi said that the union granted this opportunity out of respect for the parties that intervened to mediate, expressing his hope that the upcoming meetings will produce fair solutions that allow the continuation of work and preserve the minimum income of drivers.

He pointed out that the union had previously held many dialogues with the government, and that the continuation of the discussion this time comes in light of conditions that have reached an extremely difficult stage, adding: “We have also reached the red line.”

These statements carry a clear message about the extent of the pressures facing the transportation sector, at a time when the union seeks to exhaust opportunities for dialogue before making any new decisions regarding the protest movements.

Israeli checkpoints and gates double the burden on drivers

Mayasi pointed out that the crisis facing the transportation sector is not limited to the rise in fuel prices, but is interwoven with complex field conditions resulting from Israeli measures in the West Bank, primarily checkpoints, gates, road closures, and the imposition of alternative routes on vehicle movement.

He explained that these conditions impose additional burdens on drivers, who are forced to take longer and more difficult routes to reach their destinations, which increases operating costs and affects their ability to generate sufficient income to cover their daily needs and obligations.

He stressed that the continuation of these conditions, in conjunction with the high cost of diesel, makes working in the transportation sector more difficult and places its workers facing increasing economic challenges.

He stressed the need to deal with drivers' demands as demands linked to the continuity of a basic service sector, and not as mere financial demands separate from the general conditions in which Palestinians live.

Disagreements over the strike... and Mayasi responds to critics of the union’s steps

The head of the General Union of Transport Workers touched on the controversy that accompanied the announcement of the strike and then the decision to suspend it, in light of the differing positions between drivers and union bodies regarding the feasibility of continuing the protest steps or giving the government an additional opportunity.

He said that there are entities and parties that, according to his description, are trying to obstruct some union movements, stressing that the union is accustomed to such situations, and that it will not allow side statements and disagreements to affect its course of work.

He added that the union relies on its confidence in its general body and in drivers who know the entities that truly represent their interests, stressing that the priority will remain to defend the rights of workers in the sector.

Mayasi revealed that a state of dissatisfaction and intense pressure prevailed among drivers, to the point that a number of them were demanding to go on strike despite talk of promises or interventions to contain the crisis.

He explained that this desire reflects the extent of the suffering experienced by workers in the sector, and the economic pressures that prompted them to demand more decisive protest steps.

On the other hand, he stressed that union action is not based on escalation alone, but also requires keeping channels of dialogue open when there are serious opportunities to reach solutions.

Will the strike return after the deadline expires?

Regarding the possibility of returning to strike if the government does not respond to the drivers’ demands within the specified deadline, Mayasi avoided announcing a final escalation decision, stressing that the union is still in an open dialogue with the government to search for satisfactory support mechanisms for the sector.

He pointed out that the union does not want to anticipate the results of the upcoming meetings, but at the same time it is aware of the extent of the crisis that drivers are going through, and that future options will be determined in light of the outcome of the discussions.

He stressed that giving the government an additional opportunity does not mean retreating from the demands, but rather comes within the framework of union responsibility and the keenness to reach solutions without closing the door to dialogue prematurely.

He explained that the interventions that took place deserved to be given the necessary time, considering that postponing the strike for an additional 48 hours would not harm the course of union demands if it led to tangible results.