The labor unrest in Israel continues to intensify over the planned layoffs at Israel Chemicals Ltd. (ICL). The powerful Histadrut Labor Federation on Feb. 26 declared a general work dispute encompassing all of southern Israel, from the port of Ashdod to the southern port of Eilat.
Histadrut Chairman Avi Nissenkorn said the dispute was approved by the Labor Federation’s central committee in order to deal with “the severe ongoing unemployment crisis” in the region, and in particular the threat by ICL management to fire 140 workers. The declaration means that a general strike can be implemented in two weeks. In the meantime, strikes are already in place at ICL subsidiaries Dead Sea Bromine Compounds and Dead Sea Works.