The labor union representing employees of the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday declared a ‘work dispute’, opening the door for a strike in 14 days. During the work dispute time period, a strike may not be called by an employer, in this case the ministry, is signaled and expected to enter into intensive negotiation towards averting a strike.

As a result of the declared labor action, the ministry employees have ceased ongoing inter-ministerial efforts with the Prime Minister’s Office, National Security Council and Defense Ministry. Workers are demanding a pay increase and benefits commensurate with employees of the defense establishment and intelligence communities.

The sanctions also prohibit the release of policy papers that assist diplomatic officials, halting actions to arrange state visits abroad, and a halt of consulate services to members of the PM’s Office and Defense Ministry. At present, the sanctions do not include freezing the working connection of the ministry with the Mossad, Shi Bet or the IDF.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)