Doctors union declares labor dispute to protest judicial overhaul

At a protest of healthcare workers in Jerusalem, the head of the Israel Medical Association (IMA) Zion Hagay takes the podium, many in the crowd call for a strike and do so throughout his speech.

“This is not a political move and it was done with much deliberation and legal advice. We did this the moment we realized that our patients would be negatively impacted,” Hagay says of the unanimous decision by IMA leaders to oppose the “reasonableness” bill, stressing other labor federations have not done so.

He says if that legislation passes, the doctors union will file an appeal to the High Court of Justice. Hagay adds that the IMA will declare a labor dispute and inform the courts today.

“We will discuss among the IMA secretariat the possibility of a strike and make a decision,” he says. In response, a large part of the crowd chants “today!” and “enough talking, time for action!”