The Union of Local Authorities in Israel began a strike today, after "seven months of negotiations which did not yield results" according to a union notice.
Striking workers blocked major intersections beginning from 9:00 this morning. Intersections included Sha'ar Hagai on the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv road, Hatishbi, Yad Mordechai, Bar Ilan, and others.
The Union is demanding that the government return NIS 600 million that it has cut from the local authorities' budget and NIS 500 million that were cut from the education budget.
The strike means that there will be no garbage collection, and municipal and local council offices will not be open to the public. Telephones will not be answered and there will be no welfare services, street or lighting repairs. However, the education system will not be affected.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on October 5, 2010
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