University professors are embroiled in a bitter dispute with the Finance Ministry over a 45 percent wage hike they had just won but which was rescinded a few days later after the government brought pressure to bear on the universities. The government said the increase was inflationary, likely to set off a new round of wage demands in professional and other circles and that the professors as a group were overpaid anyway.
The academicians are furious and have threatened to “take measures.” Their settlement with the universities was concluded without official authorization. It came when the government, Histadrut and the Manufacturers Association had finally agreed that wage settlements over the next two years would be geared to the cost-of-living index. The 45 percent increase exceeds by far the official guidelines.
The Finance Ministry published figures according to which professors earn an average gross monthly income of almost IL 10,000, nearly ten times the national average income. The professors charged that the figures were erroneous. They said a department head’s basic salary was IL 4465 per month and the rest was compensation for legitimate expenses. Finance Minister Yehoshua Rabinowitz and Prof. Shlomo Simonson, representing the academicians, have agreed to set up a committee to resolve the dispute. Observers fear that whatever compromise is reached it will touch off a new wave of labor disputes.
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