The Public Transport Union threatens a comprehensive strike within days to protest the rise in diesel prices

Bethlehem - Ofoq News - The General Union of Public Transport Workers warned against resorting to escalatory steps that could lead to a strike and disruption of public transport, in the event that the Palestinian government does not respond to drivers’ demands for urgent intervention to support diesel prices and reduce the increasing financial burdens on the sector, in light of the rise in the price of a liter to about 9 shekels, the decline in economic activity, and the continuing difficult conditions facing workers in the transport sector.

The head of the General Union of Public Transport Workers, Alaa Mayasi, said during his speech on the “Good Morning” program, presented by the journalist Riyad Khamis, and broadcast on Radio 4, Ofoq News satellite channel, and the Ofoq News radio network, that the public transport sector faces unprecedented challenges that threaten its ability to continue providing its services, noting that the continuous rise in fuel prices has exacerbated the suffering of drivers who are now finding it difficult to cover operating costs and secure the needs of their families.

Mayasi explained that the public transportation crisis is not limited to the rise in fuel prices, but rather is intertwined with a number of economic and field challenges, most notably closures, barriers, alternative roads, and a decline in commercial traffic and the mobility of citizens. He stressed that the sector has continued to withstand since October 7, 2023, despite the exceptional circumstances that directly affected the work of drivers and their sources of income.

He added that the successive rises in diesel prices, especially since last April, have doubled the pressure on workers in the sector, at a time when the number of passengers and the purchasing power of citizens is declining, which has placed drivers facing a difficult equation represented by high operating expenses in exchange for limited revenues and the inability to increase transportation fees.

Regarding the upcoming union movements, Mayasi revealed an expanded meeting that the union is holding today in the city of Nablus, with the participation of representatives of public transport unions from various governorates of the country, to discuss the repercussions of the crisis and make decisions on the next steps, in light of what he described as the absence of real government support capable of reducing the burdens on the sector.

He stressed that the union does not rule out taking escalatory measures during the current week, starting with a warning protest step on the ground, and may develop into stopping work if the government does not respond to the demands put forward.

Mayasi said: “If there is no response from the government, there will be a cessation of work,” explaining that this step will be preceded by warning measures, and that the path of escalation will be determined according to the results of the union meeting and the extent of the response of the official authorities.

Speaking about communications with the government, Mayasi indicated that the union had communicated with the competent authorities on more than one occasion, and requested direct intervention to support diesel fuel, but the measures taken so far have not risen, in his words, to the level of the crisis that drivers are experiencing.

He indicated that there are understandings with the Ministry of Transport and Communications regarding some applicable solutions, but they do not constitute an immediate solution to the financial pressures facing the sector, stressing that the Ministry of Finance bears primary responsibility for the fuel price file and the required support for vital economic sectors.

Mayasi identified the union’s most prominent demands in supporting diesel prices, reducing taxes and financial burdens imposed on drivers, in addition to allowing the addition of an eighth seat to public transport vehicles of the “service” category, considering this measure as one of the solutions that can contribute to increasing revenues and reducing operating costs in the long term.

He explained that there is a preliminary agreement with the Ministry of Transport and Communications regarding adding the eighth seat, but implementing the step requires addressing a conflict between the number of passengers allowed according to the vehicle license, which allows the transportation of eight passengers, and the personal license of a public driver, which limits the number to seven passengers, which requires an amendment from the Council of Ministers.

Mayasi stressed that the public transportation sector represents a fundamental pillar in the daily lives of citizens, and its importance is not limited to providing transportation services, but rather extends to its role in stimulating economic activity and linking cities, towns, and governorates, warning that continued high costs without government intervention may push more drivers to be unable to continue working.