Israel’s teachers observed a one-day strike today, suspending classes for 1.2 million students ranging from nursery school children to adults at teacher training seminaries. There will be no classes tomorrow either because the Parents Association has called a sympathy strike in support of the teachers’ wage demands.
Education Minister Zevulun Hammer, who has said he would resign if the wages are not increased as stipulated by the agreement reached between the government and the teachers union last week, announced that his Ministry was making plans for a prolonged strike. They include lessons broadcast on the educational television channel, special theatrical and movie performances, and part time employment in army camps or agricultural work to keep the youngsters off the streets.
The wage agreement has been held up by the Finance Minister on grounds that salary increases would violate overall wage policy and trigger similar demands from other public employes. The teachers are demanding immediate implementation of the agreement. Meanwhile, the Parents Association appealed to the Supreme Court to order the army not to recruit youngsters who are unable to complete their school year or sit for final examinations because of the strike.
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