University professors to strike as of Sunday
After failing to reach progress in negotiations with Finance Ministry, representatives of universities' academic staff say they will have no choice but to go on strike next Sunday. High school teachers to continue strike as well
A meeting between representatives of the academic staff at universities and the Finance Ministry has ended without results, and the lecturers said they would have no choice but to go on strike as of Sunday, the first day of the academic year.
"The differences are too great," said Prof Zvi Hacohen, head of the academic staff's coordinating committee. The lecturers are demanding a new wage agreement and to be compensated for the ongoing erosion in their wages.
Meanwhile, the universities' presidents are also threatening not to open the academic year as planned, if the Shohat Commission's recommendations to funnel funds to the universities are not implemented immediately.
Additionally, the Middle and High Schools Association announced Tuesday it would continue its strike Wednesday, after negotiations of the Association's representatives with the Education and Finance Ministries have reached a dead end.
As of Wednesday, the strike will expand to the Arab sector as well.
