Israel's Regional Labor Court ordered Superbus drivers in Yerushalayim to immediately end their strike and return to work Sunday night, determining that the work stoppage lacked legally required notice despite a serious assault on one of the company's drivers.
The ruling followed Superbus's petition after the workers' union announced that minibus service to the Old City would be suspended in protest of the violent attack.
Superbus stated it "views with the utmost severity every act of violence against public transportation employees," Characterizing such incidents as "a nationwide national problem." The company said senior management had been supporting the injured driver and his family since Sunday morning and pledged to remain involved throughout his recovery.
The company activated its chief security officer and coordinated with the Transportation Ministry, Israel Police, and other law enforcement agencies to strengthen driver protections and hold those responsible accountable.
Superbus emphasized that while committed to employee safety, it cannot allow essential services to be disrupted. "The company cannot accept harm to the traveling public and the continuity of service in Jerusalem, and therefore, out of responsibility to the public, the company turned to the Labor Court," The statement said.
The court accepted Superbus's arguments and issued a temporary injunction requiring the immediate end to the strike. The court determined the strike notice, issued less than two hours before the work stoppage, violated collective bargaining agreements and previous National Labor Court rulings.
Superbus said the ruling would prevent widespread disruptions for thousands of residents and restore regular service throughout the city.
Earlier Sunday, the company had announced minibus routes to the Old City would suspend operations between 4 p.m. And 10 p.m. Following the assault, in which the driver reported being attacked by teenagers who broke four of his teeth and caused significant facial injuries.