Illustration
Photo: Tal Cohen
Lifeguards strike, 3 people drown
Lifeguards declare strike over failed wage discussion, leave hundreds unsupervised at beaches. 'Labor disputes cannot cost human lives' says MK Pines-Paz
Two people drowned off the coast of Netanya and a third drowned at Ashdod Saturday, just one hour after the lifeguards declared they were going on strike and left their posts.
The lifeguards left their posts at 5pm – once the strike was declared – leaving hundreds of people unsupervised at beaches around the country.
The strike was declared after the lifeguards' union failed to negotiate new working conditions for the lifeguards with the Union of Local Authorities.
MK Ophir Pines-Paz (Labor-Meimad), chairman on the Knesset's Internal Affairs Committee called on the lifeguards to annul their strike immediately, and on the Union of Local Authorities to resume their wage negotiations.
"Labor disputes can not cost human lives and both sides should act responsibly," he said adding "if this matter is not settled we will call and emergency session of the Internal Affairs Committee to bring the strike to its end."
Nineteen people have drowned since the beginning of the swimming season.
