The Histadrut labor federation on Tuesday, 23 Tishrei, announced that if a solution to the crisis involving Egged employees is not found by the treasury, an Egged strike will begin on November 7th. Such a strike would involve Egged workers nationwide.

At the heart of the dispute between Egged and the state is the latter�s refusal to renew a subsidy agreement that expired month ago, an agreement that was signed back in 2005.

Egged labor officials report that the state�s refusal to renew the contract to subsidize Egged operations has resulted in a serious deterioration in driver salaries and they are unwilling to continue under present conditions.

(YWN � Israel Desk, Jerusalem)