Eini (L) with Bar-On
Photo: Yael Caesar
Histadrut to declare strike over wage demands
Labor Federation head fails to reach agreement with Treasury on wage rise for public-sector workers
The Histadrut Labor Federation will declare a strike this week after chair Ofer Eini failed to reach an agreement with the Treasury on demands for a pay rise for public servants.
Eini said he would convene a meeting of workers' unions on Monday evening to set a date for the strike. The Histadrut chair discussed the demands of public servants during talks with Finance Minister Ronnie Bar-On.
Eini (L) with Bar-On at the Treasury (Photo: Finance Ministry)
Histadrut sources said the strike would kick off on Wednesday.
The Histadrut demanded a 10.4 percent pay rise for public-sector workers. Eini rejected Treasury proposals for a 1 percent yearly wage raise until 2009.
"Bar-On is kind enough to offer two falafel portions to each worker. That's not serious," Eini said after the meeting.
The Histadrut said public sector wages were last raised in 2001. The Treasure rebuffed the claims, arguing that since 2001 wage rose 8 percent on average due to bonuses for seniority and the government's decision to raise the minimum wage.
Histadrut officials said the strike would affect almost all public sectors.
