Israeli General Strike Is Called Off
Shortly after entering its fifth day, a general strike that has paralyzed Israel’s public sector was called off on Sunday, following a reported agreement between the Finance Ministry and the Histadrut labor federation.
The newly reached deal includes raising subcontracted workers minimum monthly wage to NIS 4,500, as well as an improvement in their general working conditions, such as employer participation in workers’ savings, holiday gifts, larger employer participation in pensions’ savings, and subsidized meals.
In addition, the state pledged to add 120 inspectors meant to enforce the subcontracted workers’ rights. In return, the Histadrut pledges to refrain from general strikes for 3 years.
The announcement was made after talks between the Finance Ministry and the Histadrut resumed late on Saturday night and continued all night long, with no agreement being reached.
About half the garbage in the big cities has not been collected since Wednesday. (In some communities, garbage is picked up by private firms.) In the greater Tel Aviv area alone, more than 10,000 tons of refuse line the streets.
For more, go to Haaretz.com
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