07.10.09

Truck Drivers Union

Dozens of truck drivers have contacted the Workers Advice Center (WAC) as a result of a campaign initiated by WAC in the beginning of September. The campaign aims to encourage drivers, most of whom work in companies that have no workers committees, to unionize and enter into negotiations for a collective agreement to improve employment conditions. WAC also offers legal assistance for drivers whose rights have been withheld, and works to raise the drivers’ awareness regarding their rights.
In recent weeks, WAC activists have been distributing flyers in Hebrew and Arabic to drivers at Ashdod Port and at various interchanges around the country.
Drivers without rights

There are about 30,000 trucks of 15 tons and above on Israel’s roads. Most of these trucks belong to 470 companies who control over 90% of haulage in Israel. Despite their strategic position in the economic structure, many truck drivers work long hours for minimum wage and even less than the minimum. In order to earn enough to live on, they are forced to work ever longer hours, putting their lives at risk.

Many haulage companies ignore the industry’s collective agreement which obliges them to insure drivers and contribute to training and pension funds. Some avoid paying convalescence pay or holiday pay, and even subtract the cost of road fines from their drivers’ wages.

During the campaign, WAC representatives have met hundreds of drivers from dozens of haulage companies. Responses from drivers, both Jewish and Arab, have been encouraging. Most are heartily sick of the ongoing problems, and many have called the WAC offices for assistance and advice. Drivers testify to inadequate safety conditions, due to companies’ insufficient investment in this area as well as to long hours behind the wheel – 14 or even 16 hours a day. These conditions go some way to explaining the disproportionately high rate of road accidents in which trucks are involved.