After twelve hours of marathon negotiations last night, representatives of the economy-wide Histadrut labor union and Finance Ministry officials are reported to be very close to an agreement which will bring an end to the strikes in the public sector. Though Histadrut Labor Union chief MK Amir Peretz says that some unresolved issues still remain, \"they are not critical\" and should not delay the end to the government workers\' strike. The negotiations are to resume later today in Ramat Gan.
In light of the above progress, Peretz ordered the employees of the Ministry of Labor and Welfare to release certain welfare payments that had been withheld as part of the sanctions. In the meantime, still on strike are Israel\'s senior university lecturers and Land Registry employees. Fire and Rescue Services are staging a partial strike, in protest of their meager equipment. Last night, Ben Gurion International Airport opened after a full day of closure to most outgoing and incoming planes.
In light of the above progress, Peretz ordered the employees of the Ministry of Labor and Welfare to release certain welfare payments that had been withheld as part of the sanctions. In the meantime, still on strike are Israel\'s senior university lecturers and Land Registry employees. Fire and Rescue Services are staging a partial strike, in protest of their meager equipment. Last night, Ben Gurion International Airport opened after a full day of closure to most outgoing and incoming planes.