Israel Diplomats on Strike

Israeli diplomats across the world have gone on strike due to the Ministry of Finance’s refusal to resolve the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ labor dispute.

Press Secretary of the Embassy of Israel Catherine Castañosa has said that the move was initiated by the Worker’s Association of Israel’s Foreign Ministry employees, who are negotiating for higher salaries and better working conditions for diplomats serving abroad.

Castañosa said the union has published a list of more than 2 dozen measures that took effect Tuesday last week. One of which is the temporary suspension of any cooperation in organizing visits of head of states, prime ministers and other officials.

She also told that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will not engage in any official functions and transactions. Consular services are also suspended indefinitely, she added.

According to Castañosa this ongoing dispute not only hindered the development of any existing and ongoing political, trade and economic relations among the different offices of Israel with other countries and organizations, but has greatly affected the representation of Israel in other nations.

She added the current situation has endangered the upcoming visit of Pope Francis in the Philippines.

Image Credit: forward.com