Municipal and government employees are on strike, as promised, after a last-minute attempt to negotiate a settlement last night fell through. Workers say they have no demands except that previous agreements, especially those promising cost-of-living allowances, be fulfilled. Finance Ministry officials say that now is no time for public-service salary increases. The strike encompasses 100,000 city workers and 40,000 government employees.
Government ministers are somewhat divided on the matter. Interior Minister Eli Yeshai said that the government should negotiate with the strikers, while Minister Roni Milo says not to give in to them. National Insurance Institute workers announced today that despite the strike, unemployment and pension payments would be deposited in their recipients' accounts on schedule.
Government ministers are somewhat divided on the matter. Interior Minister Eli Yeshai said that the government should negotiate with the strikers, while Minister Roni Milo says not to give in to them. National Insurance Institute workers announced today that despite the strike, unemployment and pension payments would be deposited in their recipients' accounts on schedule.