Teva employees protest layoffs
Teva employees protest layoffsYonatan Sindel, Flash 90

The Histadrut Labor Union and workers' committees all over Israel will strike on Sunday until 12:00p.m. in protest of massive layoffs announced earlier this week by Teva Pharmaceuticals.

The strike will include government offices, airports and sea ports, banks, the justice system, municipalities, and many other institutions.

Hospitals will run as they do on Shabbat (Sabbath) and holidays. The strike will not include fertility departments.

The strike in Ben Gurion Airport will last from 8:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. Flights scheduled to leave before 8:00a.m. will depart on schedule.

Israel Railways and other public transportation companies will not participate in Sunday's strike, out of consideration for the IDF soldiers who are required to return to their bases. Institutions of special education will also not be included in the strike, and will function normally.

Histadrut director Avi Nissenkorn on Friday morning said, "The solidarity strike to save Israel's industry sends a clear message of mutual responsibility and support of Israeli businesses. It shows our insistence that workers be treated as human beings, and it protests the silence of anyone who abuses government resources and sends thousands of families into the cycle of welfare stipends."

"We cannot let this happen. This is a difficult time, but we are fighting for Israel's social image. We are determined and united in our battle to help Teva's workers and to ensure a better future for Israeli society."

On Thursday, Teva employees protested outside the company's Jerusalem factory, following the announcement that Teva would layoff thousands of employees.