Minister of Housing and Construction Ariel Atias agreed on a new plan with senior executives of the Association of Contractors and Builders in Israel to employ haredi (ultra orthodox) yeshiva students in the construction industry, "Yediot Ahronot" reports. The yeshiva students would earn a monthly salary of NIS 15,000.
Atias has reportedly spoken with Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor Shalom Simhon on the matter.
The plan is meant to provide a partial solution to the shortage of manpower in the construction industry.
The Association of Contractors and Builders in Israel has been calling for months to raise foreign workers' quotas. Atias is now trying to lead a new campaign to have yeshiva students employed in the building industry, but a main question is what response there will be from the ultra orthodox community.
Atias told Yediot Ahronot, "I envisage a response from hundreds of yeshiva students who will be able to support themselves with dignity. There are already ultra orthodox people working in industrialized building. We will approach mayors and mobilize the ultra orthodox to work."
Published by Globes, Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on March 3, 2011
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