The Ben Gurion Airport's workers union ended its nine-hour strike Sunday afternoon after reaching an agreement with representatives from the Treasury and Transportation Ministry to secure employee pensions.
According to the agreement, the Israel Airports Authority will transfer the pension money to a trust fund within 60 days. The Histadrut labor federation said the workers' demands were met in full.
"I'm glad we were able to secure the pension funds for the workers and retirees. It's a shame that we had to go on strike and that the government did not resolve the matter sooner," a senior Histadru official said.
The head of the workers union called the strike "just," while Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz (Likud )lamented the "unnecessary inconvenience caused to the passengers."
Airport personnel are now working to release a new flight schedule as soon as possible due to the numerous flight delays and cancellations since the morning hours.
During the go slow, which was declared at 9 am, union airport personnel ceased aiding in takeoff preparations. Massive disruptions were noted in both takeoff and landing activity. By noon, thousands of passengers crowded the airport, as almost all flight schedules changed. Many passengers were unable to collect their luggage.
The Israel Airport Authority (IAA) said some 12,500 were slated to leave Israel on Monday and 16,500 were expected to arrive.
Despite the inconvenience, some passengers sided with the workers. "I understand them. We should not be quick to judge," Eva Ben-Tata said while waiting to board a flight to France.
Dudu and his family played backgammon on the terminal floor for six hours. "I look at it as quality time with the family. If the workers are striking they apparently have a good reason to do so. It's a shame they didn't inform us in advance," he said.
Yoni Magal, who has been waiting since Sunday to fly to Tashkent, criticized the workers union, saying, "The strike is not about their pension. The money can be transferred to their pension funds in 24 hours."
Boaz Fyler contributed to the report