The decision to paralyze all works was decided by the Teachers’ Union after three days of two-hour strikes in the morning and the refusal by the Ministry of Finance to accept the demands.

That Ministry stated that it will only increase wages as part of a package of reforms to the education system in general, a proposal rejected by the union.

Education Minister Yifat Shasha-Biton on Wednesday backed the teachers and called to talk.

I understand the teachers’ frustration, the strike could have been avoided if the Finance authorities had been willing to talk, she said.

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