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Unions representing government workers stepped up their work sanctions in support of Israel Post Office employees, who are protesting an efficiency plan they say is likely to get many of them fired. On Sunday, Israel's courts were effectively closed until further notice, as court workers refused to accept petitions, complaints, and other paperwork from citizens.

In addition, workers at border crossings began preventing the transfer of packages and goods through Israel's eastern and northern borders. That work action mostly affects Palestinian Authority Arabs, who import and export goods via the bridge crossings into and out of Jordan.

Meanwhile, sanctions that were begun last week continued on Sunday. Tax Authority offices were closed to the public, and Israelis who owe back taxes can only pay via credit card over the Internet (penalties and interest, of course, will apply to late payers, despite the lack of service).

Airports Authority workers held a wildcat strike Thursday morning that affected 58 departures and arrivals, with 8,000 passengers experiencing serious delays.

Meanwhile, post offices in most parts of the country are continuing their strike. The labor disputes surround demands by workers that none of their number be fired as part of an efficiency plan Post Office management says is necessary. The Treasury has said that it can give no such assurances, and that without the efficiency plan, the Post Office Corporation will go broke by the end of the year.