The Tel Aviv district labor court this evening issued a back-to-work injunction to Bezeq (TASE:BZEQ) workers, ordering them to cease sanctions immediately. Judge Sarah Meiri issued order after Bezeq's management filed an appeal. Bezeq reported later this evening that workers were back to work as usual.
Bezeq employees initiated a work slowdown two weeks ago, after the learning that the Makefet Pension Fund would not recognize 360 workers who had taken an early retirement plan agreed upon with company management as part of efficiency measures.
These employees, who had left the company up until September 2003, claimed that the new pension regulations did not apply to them, as they went into effect only in October 2003. Makefet, for its part, claimed that the new pension fund law went into effect at an earlier date and that it did, therefore, apply to the 360 Bezeq workers.
In her decision, Judge Meiri said, "The court reiterates and reemphasizes the principle of proportionality. There is a need to balance between the freedom to strike, which has limitations on it, and other rights and freedoms, such as the public good". The judge ruled that Bezeq employees must cease all of the organizational actions that they had taken.
Bezeq said in response that the court's decision proved that management, as a responsible entity, was obliged to appeal to the court to avoid additional damage to the company and its customers.
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on 05 January 2004