Extra 30 days period for negotiations

The National Labor Court headed by Mr. Justice Steve Adler agreed to allow an extra 30 days period, starting on the 14th March 2004, during which both parties should reach an acceptable agreement about the proposed structural changes to the Ports Authority.

It has also been agreed that at the end of the 30 days period the parties will enter into continuous negotiations which will last for a period of 14 days, during which essential issues which had not been bridged during the 30 days negotiating period will be discussed in depth.

Both parties were due to appear before the court on Monday the 14th of March but that meeting was cancelled due to the terrorist attack at the port of Ashdod.

During the 30 days period, no labor disputes are planned by the port workers.

The main stumbling block in the negotiations is the question of the Port Authorities’ assets.

The Finance Ministry has recommended that the ports’ assets will be controlled by an Assets Managing Company which will be set up by the Ministry. However, the trade union would like to see the assets given to the companies that will own and operate the ports.