There is an ongoing conflict between the Histadrut National Labor Federation and the “Kein Tzipor” chain of kindergartens that operate in Elad. According to the labor federation, the management of Kein Tzipor tried to retaliate against a number of daycare centers in the city under its wing that have decided to organize and join Histadrut.

This has led to a strike of Kein Tzipor which began on Monday morning, 12 Iyar. Histadrut officials warn the situation will worsen until such time Kein Tzipor backs down from the strike.

“A few months ago, we made it clear to the management that we were seeking peace and a fair agreement that would guarantee the workers proper conditions of employment, but we would not agree to trample their rights over and over” the Histadrut says. Labor federation officials add they cannot create facts on the ground by using force.

Labor union officials accuse heads of the kindergartens of abusing the rights of the chareidi employees in Kein Tzipor and that is why it stepped in, adding in many cases, the female workers are responsible for supporting their families as she provides the only income.

Kein Tzipor sent a notice to parents that it is operating on “daas Torah” as it consulted with dayanim who specialize in monetary disputes, adding it promised not a single employee was going to be fired but as things stand, it has no other options but to strike.

The head of Kein Tzipor, Ori Barim, declined comment.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)