While the public-sector strike entered its second week today, Histadrut Labor 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 gesture shortly before 2 AM this morning after a meeting with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. As a result, striking garbage collectors and pre-school and kindergarten teachers were back on the job this morning, though official government offices continued to be closed to the public. Intensive talks between government representatives and the Histadrut to bring the strike to a complete end are scheduled over the coming three-day period.