While the public-sector strike enters its second week today, Histadrut (union) leader Amir Peretz last night agreed to allow workers from several sectors to return to work as part of a 72-hour “time-out”. Peretz agreed to the time-out after a Saturday night meeting with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. As a result, striking garbage collectors as well as pre-school and kindergarten teachers are back on the job in full force this morning, albeit temporarily. However, all official government offices are still closed to the public. Hence, passports, drivers’ licenses, and identifications cards are not being issued. Talks between union and government representatives to bring the strike to a complete end have been scheduled.