The Cabinet failed after a 3 1/2 hour special session today to find a way to end a strike by El Al ground maintenance workers who have defied a government back-to-work order. The strike which began yesterday, grounded the entire El Al fleet of jet transports. It continued today despite stiff fines imposed by a district labor relations court that granted El Al’s request for an injunction. Members of the striking workers committee were fined $110 each for every hour the strike continues.
Transport Minister Shimon Peres issued the back-to-work order late yesterday after telephone consultations with his Cabinet colleagues. It was served on the workers today–belatedly because El Al hoped to persuade them to return to their jobs not under pressure of a government order.
The strikers said they would not go back to work unless the order is rescinded and the fines are cancelled. Meanwhile, other El Al employes have threatened to join the strike in sympathy with the ground crews who are demanding an 80 percent wage hike.
CABINET TO MOVE ON ISSUE
The Cabinet announced this evening that it would take all measures necessary to uphold the law and maintain Israel’s air communications with other countries. But no measures were specified. Questioned by reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Peres gave no details. He said the measures did not include sending military personnel to Lydda Airport to take over the duties of the strikers.
El Al and the government appeared primarily concerned today with moving stranded El Al passengers whose departure was delayed by the strike. Two 747 jumbo jets were chartered from Air France and Alitalia and three smaller Boeing 707s from other airlines to carry over 1000 El Al passengers who were to have left Israel yesterday and today. In addition. Israel’s Inland airline Arkia, has been asked to fly passengers to Cyprus where they can make connections with other airlines.
Observers here noted that the problem–a recurring one in Israel–is the ability of a small group of key workers to tie up a vital public service with the support of other workers who refuse to be strike breakers. In the past, all the government could do was agree to pay increases far beyond those laid down in its general policy guidelines, they said.
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