ICL talks break down, layoffs to proceed – Alert

Israel Chemicals Ltd. has decided that it will proceed with the layoff of 115 workers from Dead Sea Works and Dead Sea Bromine Compounds within 48 hours. ICL informed the National Labor Court of its decision to rescind its agreement not to fire workers as long as negotiations were taking place. The announcement by the company follows the breakdown of talks between management, the unions and the Histadrut Labor Federation. The talks broke down over the issue of the right of management to lay off workers without negotiating with the unions and reaching an agreement. The move by management is likely to lead to calls for expanding the strike at ICL and for a wave of protest actions.