Eight employees of the Israel Railways who delayed the opening of the Rishon Letzion-Tel Aviv line on Sunday were suspended Monday for not responding to the railroad's summons for a disciplinary hearing. Management also announced that it would file personal damage suits against Chairwoman Gila Edri of the workers' committee and an additional number of committee members.

The workers started sanctions last week against the railroad over its announced plans to send rolling stock to the manufacturer for maintenance. Court injunctions were issued to stop the sanctions, including efforts against the opening of the new line.