The Israel parliament today gave a vote of confidence to the Cabinet on the issue of the strike proclaimed by government-employed physicians, engineers and other professionals who are demanding an increase in salary. The demand is being opposed both by the Cabinet and the Histadrut. Israel’s Federation of Labor. The strike is entering its second week tomorrow.
The motion of non-confidence was introduced by the General Zionists, the extreme right-wing Herut Party and by the Communist deputies. It was defeated by a vote of 58 to 29. The three Progressive members in parliament abstained from voting, although their leader, Dr. Pinhas Rosen,–resigned as Minister of Justice because he disagreed with the stand of the Cabinet on the question of raising the salary of the government-employed professionals.
The resignation of Dr. Rosen was formally reported today to the Parliament by Premier David Ben Gurion. He also reported that the Cabinet decided not to appoint any successor from the outside to take Dr. Rosen’s place. His portfolio has for the time being been taken over by the Premier. Dr. Rosen himself explained to the Parliament today the reasons for his resignation.
Mr. Ben Gurion, in his plea today to the Parliament to support the Cabinet stand against the salary demands of the strikers, said: “The country’s security situation is now as serious as it was in 1947. We are trying to do everything we can to avoid war and to preserve the peace. But if, God forbid, we fail, then we face dangers we have never faced before. Egyptian MIG’s will bomb our hinterland and our border settlements. We have to protect ourselves. This costs much money.”
It is only for this reason, he insisted, that the government cannot meet the salary demands of the professionals. “If this year passes quietly,” he said, “then the government will be able to make salary decisions in 1957.” He stoutly defended the Histadrut, which has been accused of fighting the professionals’ salary demands. He pointed out that the Histadrut had “built” Israel.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
