Israel Bond Organization Workers Return to Jobs; New Contract Signed

The 500 professional and clerical employes of the Israel Bond Organization returned to work across the country this morning after agreeing yesterday afternoon to a new two-year contract on the 39th day of their walkout. Under the terms of the contract according to Erik Strong, spokesman for Local 1707 of the Community and Social Agency Employes Union, AFL-CIO, the professionals will receive $1,000 increases the first year and $800 increases the second year and the clerical workers will get $10 a week more the first year and $8 a week more the second year. Strong said the union also won a cost-of-living increase and an additional $100,000 in premiums for insurance and health benefits, and will not lose vacation, sick leave or seniority.

The union spokesman added that management withdrew its demands for the right to set arbitrary working hours, to transfer professional workers arbitrarily, to set salary ceilings, to require retirement at age 65 without adequate pension, to reduce sick leave and severance pay, and to grant new employes the right to pay union dues without having to join the local. A management spokesman declined to confirm or deny the reported terms, saying comment would serve “no useful purpose” but would “continue the kind of divisive spirit” prevalent during the walkout. He said only that there was “compromise on both sides.” In a joint statement, management and union said they were “highly gratified that a fair and honorable settlement has been reached” that reflects “an agreement achieved through compromise and good will in order to serve the higher interests of Israel.” They added their confidence that “as in the past, the coming days will see the continuation of solidarity between our staff and our volunteers in the common interest and purpose of maximum results for the welfare and the further development of Israel.”