Protesting workers spill sacks of cement to briefly block Jerusalem entrance
Employees of Hartuv plant demonstrate against decision not to impose levies on cheap imported cement, which they say could lead to their factory's closure
Dozens of workers of the Hartuv factory on Sunday morning spilled sacks of cement at the entrance to Jerusalem, briefly blocking vehicles from leaving and entering the city.
Holding signs with slogans such as “Turkish cement endangers Israeli security,” the workers also blocked roads close to the Economy Ministry.
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.
The Hartuv factory uses outdated equipment to produce cement, meaning it will be unable to compete with cheaper imports, The Marker reported.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.