The Histadrut (General Federation of Labor in Israel) today announced that if there is no breakthrough in today's meeting with the Ministry of Finance over contract workers, it will, next Monday, ask National Labor Court President Nili Arad for permission to renew its general strike. Histadrut chairman Ofer Eini, Budget Director Gal Hershkowitz, and Economic Organization Liaison Bureau chairman Shraga Brosh will meet today.
Arad had ordered the parties back to the negotiating table until the end of January, and to periodically update her on the talks' progress. The Histadrut contends that there has been a retreat in the talks due to the lack of a practical threat of a new strike.
"I hope that on Monday, there will be movement in the positions of the Finance Ministry and employers, so that we can begin formulating a position and see the start of direct employment of contract workers. If that does not happen, there will be no choice but to ask to renew the strike," said Eini. "I hope that this time, the court will understand the need for the strike threat to achieve a breakthrough."
The Histadrut declared a labor dispute on the issue of contract workers in early October. It is demanding minimizing the use of contract workers through their direct employment at their place of work. The negotiations with the Ministry of Finance have been deadlocked since early November.
The Histadrut launched a general public sector strike, but the Labor Court restricted to just four hours. The court has rejected the Histadrut's repeated petitions to renew the strike in order to pressure the Ministry of Finance and employers.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on January 25, 2012
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