Israel faced the spectre of a major industrial walk-out today as the employes of three large chocolate factories staged a one-day strike to back up a series of demands. Management announced it would close down the plants. The strike which hit the Elite, Lieber and Wenton factories today began without warning in violation of the labor laws that require two-weeks’ notice of any strike action. Histadrut disclaimed official connection with the strike.
The main concern today was that the strike would spread to other industries. Before the walkout at the candy factories, workers at major food canning plants announced a three-day strike. But they postponed it after the Manufacturers Association said it would shut down every plant in the industry, including those not struck. Negotiations between the canners and their employes are under way.
DEMAND FOR PROFIT SHARING
But the issues in the candy strike were said to go far beyond the immediate wage demands of the employes. The workers were reportedly trying to force employers to implement a new policy of employe participation in profits which could have far reaching effects in all areas of industry.
The Manufacturers Association, whose president, Max Moshewitz, owns the Elite factory, said the plants would not re-open tomorrow after the strike ends. Observers said this would amount to a lockout that could have serious repercussions throughout Israeli industry.
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