Over the weekend, a tense conflict developed between the Ministry of Education and the Teachers’ Union due to the threat of a high school strike. In a dramatic move, Minister of Education Yoav Kisch called for an urgent meeting on Saturday night in a last-ditch effort to prevent the planned strike.
Key figures involved in the conflict were invited to the meeting: Ron Erez, Chairman of the Teachers’ Union; Haim Bibas, Chairman of the Local Government; and Efi Malchin, the Wage Commissioner at the Ministry of Finance. The goal of the meeting is to bridge the gaps and find a solution to avoid the strike.
Minister Kisch emphasized the importance of preventing the strike during the current period: “After all our efforts, we still cannot accept a strike during wartime. It is our national responsibility.” He added in an interview with Kan 11: “My door is open until the start of the Sabbath, and from the end of the Sabbath, I will do everything.”
The minister highlighted the complexity of the situation as he tries to mediate between the Ministry of Finance and the Teachers’ Union: “The agreement is between the Finance Ministry and the union, and I’m trying to bring them together. I proposed a framework that made it clear to both sides that they won’t get everything they want.”
Despite this, Kisch did not shy away from criticizing the Chairman of the Teachers’ Union, Ron Erez: “With blatant irresponsibility, during a time of war, he is leading us to a strike.” The minister emphasized that his goal is not to harm the teachers: “I’m not looking to break the teachers. On the contrary, I’m looking to strengthen them.”
Kisch warned about the economic consequences of the strike on the teachers themselves: “There is no doubt that the strike will cause them further harm. Not only will it prevent them from receiving promised amounts, but the strike could also be prolonged—leading to a lack of pay. I regret this and think it’s wrong.”
Ron Erez’s agreement to participate in the Saturday night meeting raises hopes for a possible last-minute breakthrough. However, the gaps between the parties still appear significant, and the pressure on all involved to reach an agreement is increasing as the scheduled strike date approaches.
The outcome of this meeting could impact not only the education system but also the relationship between workers and employers in the public sector during times of crisis.
