Cement workers block major Tel Aviv highway in 2nd such protest over imports
Employees of Hartuv plant oppose decision not to impose levies on cheap imported cement, in threat to their factory
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Dozens of workers of the Hartuv cement factory on Monday morning spilled sacks of cement on the Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv, in their second day of protests over an Economy Ministry decision on imports that they say could threaten the existence of their plant.
Protesters held up signs with slogans such as “Turkish cement endangers Israeli security,” causing disruptions that forced traffic diversions at the Kibbutz Galuyot interchange near the entrance to the city.
The demonstration was in protest of the government’s decision to allow the cheap import of cement, which workers say could lead to the loss of their livelihoods.
On Sunday protesting workers briefly blocked the main Western entrance to Jerusalem.
The Hartuv factory uses outdated equipment to produce cement, meaning it will be unable to compete with cheaper imports, The Marker reported.
According to the Globes business daily, earlier this month an advisory committee recommended to the Economy Ministry that it should not impose a so-called “anti-dumping” duty on imported cement that is sold in Israel at a price lower than locally produced cement. This was in contrast to the recommendation by the ministry’s commissioner of trade levies, Danny Tal, that such a duty was necessary.
The management of the Hartuv plant in Beit Shemesh has warned that if cement continues to be imported under such conditions, the factory will be forced to close. Around 120 workers are currently employed at the plant.
The Times of Israel Community.