Ten Israel Railways workers were released from jail Thursday afternoon, paving the way for a possible end to the wildcat train strike. They were held overnight following protests at the home of incoming Israel Railways board chairman Uri Yogev. The police had requested that their remand be extended.
The workers were slapped with a 30-day restraining order, however, prohibiting them from entering the town of Maccabim, where Yogev resides.
Railway Workers Union chairperson Gila Edrei, who led the demonstration, said she was beaten by police during the detention. She said following the hearing in Ramle Magistrates Court that she would file a complaint charging police brutality against the officers who hit her.
The National Labor Court has scheduled a hearing for Monday, at which time the court will consider a formal request by the railway workers to launch a strike. The workers are protesting plans by Israel Railways management to privatize the company.