Representatives of the union for 40,000 teachers in Israel\'s junior high schools, high schools, and community colleges are going back to the National Labor Court this afternoon - after judges issued a restraining order last night to stop the teachers\' strike after its first day. The union was not present for the court proceeding yesterday, so judges set a new proceeding for this afternoon for the teachers to present their position. The union is angry that judges forced the teachers back to the classrooms, but it has not yet presented any formal response to the court\'s ruling.
The union is striking for - what else? - more money. The Knesset had established a committee to investigate the erosion of teachers\' salaries, and it concluded that between the years 1996-1998, teachers ought to have been paid 7% more. The union is seeking at least 20%. The union\'s leader, Ron Araz, accuses the committee chair, Shmuel Silvan, of manipulating the data so the teachers will get less. Silvan denies it.
The union is striking for - what else? - more money. The Knesset had established a committee to investigate the erosion of teachers\' salaries, and it concluded that between the years 1996-1998, teachers ought to have been paid 7% more. The union is seeking at least 20%. The union\'s leader, Ron Araz, accuses the committee chair, Shmuel Silvan, of manipulating the data so the teachers will get less. Silvan denies it.