UNI Global Union welcomes
Histadrut’s call for a general strike that will grind the Israeli economy to a halt in hopes of moving the country’s government into a deal that will free hostages being held in Gaza.
In his announcement of the Monday, 2 September, strike, Histradut Chairman Arnon Bar-David urged “the general public not to remain indifferent and to take to the streets.”
“This is not a matter of right or left; it is a matter of life and death. All the heads of the security establishment support the deal, and it is the government’s responsibility to bring our hostages home. It is inconceivable that our children will not return because of narrow considerations and interests,” he said.
He also raised the alarm over a growing economic crisis that is hitting workers across the country. “Already, there are worrying signals that inflation is not stopping, the Bank of Israel is warning of the weakening of the shekel, Israel’s credit rating is dropping with a negative outlook, discussions on next year’s budget have not yet begun, the deficit is deepening, and the coalition is demanding to expand it even further.”
Since the start of this crisis, UNI has demanded a ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages as the first step towards a just and sustainable peace which ends the war in Gaza and also guarantees sovereignty and self determination for Palestinians.
UNI General Secretary Christy Hoffman, “By calling for a national strike, Histadrut unions and Israeli workers are taking a huge and significant step. Enough is enough, a ceasefire is long overdue, and we urge President Netanyahu to listen to the workers of Israel, to listen to the families of the hostages still being held, to listen to the international community, and reach a deal.”
