Histadrut Issues Proposals to Protect Workers, Low Income Families

Histadrut confronted the government today with a four-point proposal to protect wage earners and low income families from the impact of the new emergency economic measures. A resolution adopted by the Histadrut Executive after a stormy session that was addressed by Premier Yitzhak Rabin and Finance Minister Yehoshua Rabinowitz, demanded assurances of full employment and full and regular payment of cost-of-living allowances, including an immediate advance payment of part of the allowance due in Jan.

Histadrut also demanded that the government reconsider the new prices for basic commodities, some of which have more than tripled in the last two days and that it increase compensatory payments to large families in the low income brackets. The convening of the 501-member Histadrut Executive, the presence of the Premier and Finance Minister at the meeting and the flaring of tempers which at one point erupted into a fist swinging brawl. all underlined the extreme tension surrounding the government’s new economic program.

The resolution, an endorsement of decisions adopted earlier by the Histadrut Central Committee, was adopted by a vote of 82-3. The 42 Likud delegates abstained but noted that although they were dissatisfied with Histadrut’s handling of the economic crisis, they would not vote against the resolution because of the gravity of the situation. The only negative votes were cast by the three delegates of the Rakah Communist Party which wanted a total rejection of the government’s program.

EXPLANATION FOR STEPS TAKEN

Rabin spoke to the Histadrut delegates in the same frank manner that he had addressed the nation on television Sunday night. “I had no illusions when I took office,” he said. “I knew only too well that I was assuming office in one of the most difficult, times for Israel, if not the most difficult, in all fields: security, foreign affairs, economic and social.”

He went on to say that the economic decisions made by his government, however unpleasant, were better than no decision. Israel’s enormous security expenditures, the rising price of fuel and the endless price increases of other commodities as well as the economic deterioration in the world at large required steps “that might hurt, hurt us all,” Rabin said. He was interrupted during his remarks by shouts of, “What about the Israel Corporation and other economic scandals?” Rabin replied, “We do not intend to cover up mischievous activities.”

Rabinowitz explained the difficult economic situation throughout the world and stressed that Israel had to maintain its foreign currency reserves if it wanted full employment. Everyone must cut down his expenses, he said, to which one delegate shouted, “Why not cut the huge wages of government controlled company directors?” Rabinowitz expressed confidence that the government and Histadrut would iron out their differences over COL allowances and expanded grants to the needy.

Fist fights broke out when MK Yoram Aridor of Likud accused the Labor government of betraying labor. Labor delegates rushed to the podium to drag him down, whereupon Likud delegates came to Aridor’s aid and a general brawl started. This lasted several minutes before security men and guards separated the opponents. In another development, several thousand workers in Ashdod, including militant dock workers demonstrated today against the price increases and demanded appropriate compensation.