Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Bethel Finances: Histradrut again threatens general strike

www.bethelfinance.com

The Histadrut (General Federation of Labor in Israel) is once again threatening to strike: Histadrut chairman Ofer Eini has just finished his third meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ministry of Finance officials during which they discussed the former's demand that a maximum number of contract workers be directly employed in the workforce, especially in the public sector. Eini told his colleagues that no progress has been made, and that Ministry of Finance officials firmly opposed employing contract workers directly. The Histadrut made it clear that it is preparing for a strike next week. When asked why they don't begin the strike tomorrow, Histadrut officials replied that strikes cannot be announced only one day ahead.

Sources say that Netanyahu will try to renew negotiations over the weekend in an effort to prevent the strike. Eini, in turn, is having a hard time explaining why he has been giving the government so many chances instead of following through and calling a strike, which would increase pressure on decision makers.

Over the last few days, the Histadrut has made it clear that it will announce logistical steps if no significant breakthrough occurs. It did say, however, that it believes that Netanyahu is making a sincere effort to reach a solution.

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