Unions Obstruct Budapest Public Transport, by Obeying Regulations
Monday, January 4th, 2010Angry crowds of Hungarian commuters stood frustrated at stations in Budapest on Monday, as striking union bus drivers hindered public transportation to pressure allegedly dishonest employers. The workers managed to disrupt their company without breaking the law, by clinging to ‘loopholes’ in official regulations compelling them to request vehicle replacement, upon malfunction.
The unexpected move caused severe bus shortages, such as up to 80% of buses to be listed for replacement at Kelenfoldi bus garage, according to Hungarian newswire Fuggetlen Hirugynokseg (FH).
The protesting drivers refused to leave garages even with minor faults in their vehicles such as a torn seat cover, FH reported.
Union leaders have warned to continue the strike for several days, if demands are not met concerning the collective contracts of employees at Budapest Transport Limited (BKV).
