The general strike has entered its second day with marathon talks continuing with the hope that the differences will be settled this morning. Sources in the Ministry of Finance report that there has been major progress and the sides have several times delayed reporting back to the National Labor Court in the belief that they will be able to reach an agreement.
Yesterday Economic Organizations Liaison Bureau chairman Shraga Brosh and Histadrut (General Federation of Labor in Israel) chairman Ofer Eini were hoping that the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor would extend the agreement that they had signed between them on contract workers to the public sector. However, the opposition of Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor Shalom Simhon has again paved the way to talks and a possible tripartite agreement.
The sides had been expected to report to the National Labor Court at 1.00 am but requested a postponement until 4.00 am, and then until 6.00 am. Because there had been progress, but not enough to reach agreement, the sides then requested a further postponement until 8.00 am. At that meeting the Histadrut told the court that intensive talks were underway aimed at ending the strike.
Meanwhile, 350,000 workers are on strike for a second day including the banks, stock exchange, railways, government ministries, National Insurance Institute and local authorities. In contrast to yesterday morning, Ben Gurion Airport is operating as usual.
Published by Globes, Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on February 9, 2012
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