Author: fbz002
Last saved by: User
Company: DIRCO

STRIKE ACTION
ISRAELI FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICIALS

Overview

On 2 January 2011, the Israeli Foreign Service Workers Association (Labour Union) indicated that all matters pertaining to official visits to and from Israel would cease to be dealt with by Israeli Foreign Service employees. This includes the processing and issuing of visas to holders of diplomatic/official or service passports.

The reasons for this are a breakdown in wage and conditions of service negotiations between the Union and the State. 

This action immediately led to the postponement of the visit by the Russian President to Israel and also the visit of the Serbian Prime Minister to Israel.

The strike escalated on Monday, 10 January, when it was reported that from now on Israeli Foreign Service employees would not assist Israeli companies abroad. Likewise, the Foreign Ministry would cease contact with all manufacturing and import and export organisations and institutions in Israel and all government bodies connected to trade. The Ministry would also not sign off on any security-related deals, and all representatives abroad have been told to stop dealing with the various projects in progress.

On 12 January, the Foreign Service Workers Association indicated that consular assistance would also now no longer be rendered to Israeli citizens abroad.

Implications for the delegation:

Should the current strike by the Israeli Foreign Ministry continue during the visit, the possibility exists that:

•	the delegation may not be able to meet with any senior Israeli Government officials; 

•	visas will not be issued for the delegation to travel to Israel; and 

•	the Israeli Foreign Ministry may view such a visit taking place during the strike as an almost deliberate attempt to embarrass the Israeli authorities, given the fact that there are no incoming and/or outgoing foreign visits taking place under the current circumstances.