The postal workers’ union has reached an agreement with Israel’s Finance Ministry, ending weeks of uncertainty for 1,500 permanent employees.
An agreement was announced Tuesday with early details including a reduction in the number of days mail carriers will be sent on rounds by two and a half every two weeks.
Thousands will gain tenure in the deal, announced at a 1 pm news conference.
“Today not only prevented the dissolution of the postal company, but we made sure that we anchor the agreements in a way which improves service for Israeli citizens,” said Histadrut labor federation leader Avi Nissenkorn.
“The way we’ve approached the last few weeks is a fundamental part of the struggle to return the human dignity of workers in Israel,” he said.
Numerous sectors of the labor force in Israel participated in work slowdowns and other job actions in solidarity with the postal workers, who were facing massive layoffs and replacement by contract workers instead.
The cutbacks in service at the post offices throughout the country has affected Israelis in many ways, since in Israel, the post office also functions as a bank as well as a center for bill paying and document transfer and ratification.