The Histadrut national labor union on Wednesday, 7 Kislev, declared a ‘labor dispute’ over the ongoing dispute with Bnei Brak City Hall. Doing so starts the countdown timer which permits launching a strike after two weeks. During the period of the ‘labor dispute’, both sides are expected to enter into intensive negotiations in the hope of averting a strike.

According to Histadrut officials, meetings have been held with officials in Bnei Brak in the hope of settling the labor dispute, albeit without progress. The city is unwilling to accept demands from kindergarten teachers and their assistants not to work on Chanukah and other holidays, explaining they signed a contract which specifically compels they do so. However, the Histadrut feels this is a violation of their rights and insists the city back down, which it will not.

Officials representing the labor federation explain the city is violating collective labor agreements and the situation is intolerable. Histadrut warns that a general strike will be called if an agreement is not reached.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)