Seeking to flex its muscle prior to the state budget becoming a harsh reality, the Union of Local Authorities (ULA) on Wednesday launched a nationwide strike. The strike will close schools from kindergarten through high schools, from Metula to Eilat, with the exception of 15 major cities. It will also result in an interruption in garbage pickup, local governmental services, and city inspectors will not issue parking summonses.
 
The ‘Forum of 15’ announced in their cities, the strike will be for a two-hour period, from 8:00am-10:00am. The forum includes Tel Aviv, Haifa, Beersheva, Rishon L’Tzion, Ashdod, Cholon, Givatayim, Netanya, Ra’anana, Herzliya, Chadera and Rechovot. Not striking are Petach Tikvah, Ashkelon, Kfar Saba, Kiryat Motzkin and Jerusalem.

Officials explain Jerusalem did not strike because of the visit of Pope Benedict. Bagrut matriculation exams will be held in all cities and special education facilities will be operational.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)