A guide to today’s general strike: What exactly does it include?
A one-day labor strike has entered effect, after the Histadrut labor union declared it yesterday over the government’s failure to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza. It is yet unclear whether it will continue beyond today.
Here is an incomplete list of which services will or will not be provided today, based on Hebrew media. There is a full list (Hebrew link) that has been announced by the Histadrut.
Kindergartens will not open in localities that have joined the strike, and elementary and middle schools there will operate until 11:45 a.m. (high schools are striking nationwide over an unrelated salary dispute). Nurseries for ages 0-3 will operate normally, as will schools and institutions for special education, for people with disabilities and Welfare Ministry boarding schools.
The major bus companies Egged, Dan and Metropolin are striking, as are the Tel Aviv light rail and Haifa’s Carmelit. The Israel Railways is operating normally, and the Jerusalem light rail will strike until 12 p.m.
Ben Gurion airport will strike between 8 and 10 a.m., but this will not affect incoming flights.
The Federation of Local Authorities in Israel is striking, and the Histadrut has called a strike in the Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Haifa municipalities. However, the Jerusalem Municipality has announced it won’t cooperate with the strike.
According to Hebrew media, other local authorities not taking part include Ashdod, Bnei Brak, Ramle, Dimona, Holon, Petah Tikva, Kiryat Gat, Arad, Beit Shemesh, Katzrin, most Krayot cities, the Merom HaGalil Regional Council, and all West Bank municipalities and councils.
The following municipalities have said they won’t provide services: Tel Aviv, Givatayim, Herzliya, Raanana, Kfar Saba, Hod Hasharon, the Gezer Regional Council and the Azur Local Council.
And some municipalities are holding a solidarity strike of several hours, including in Netanya, Yeruham, Safed, Nahariya, Sderot, Kiryat Ata and the Hevel Modi’in Regional Council.
Food stores and supermarkets will largely be open, although BIG shopping centers are striking and the Azrieli malls are enabling each shop owner to make their own decision.
Hospitals are working at weekend capacity, and health clinics are operating in an emergency framework. Magen David Adom services are operating normally, but the Clalit and Meuhedet health funds are striking.
Government ministries, authorities and units are striking, though some have resisted and said they will work normally. All the major banks are striking as well.
The Israel Electric Company and the Mekorot water company are working at weekend capacity, while fire and rescue services are working normally.
The Israel Business Forum, which represents most workers in the private sector in Israel from 200 of the country’s largest companies, as well as hundreds of tech companies, manufacturers and law offices, are striking.
