A meeting of representatives of Negev Ceramics with representatives of workers in the Minister of Economy's office ended today without progress in the negotiations, according to Channel 10 Television. During the meeting, Minister Eli Cohen offered an aid package for the plant, which included a grant according to which the state would participate in part of the workers' salaries, as well as an additional grant of millions of shekels to be returned when Negev Ceramics will begin to make a profit.
According to the proposal during the coming year, management would implement streamlining measures that include dismissal of employees, reduction of wages and termination of work on the Sabbath. The workers' representatives accepted the offer but the management refused. The company is expected to decide within 24 hours on the closure of the factory.