Israel approves emergency measures to end nuclear scientists' strike

Israel approves emergency measures to end nuclear scientists' strike
Striking scientists at Israel's top nuclear facility set to be issued with back-to-work orders to end three-month slowdown strike over pay.
2 min read
13 August, 2017
Striking scientists at the Dimona plant will be is issued back-to-work orders [AFP]


Israel's government approved emergency measures to end a "disruptive" strike over pay at the country's top nuclear research centre, on Sunday.

Scientists at the Dimona Nuclear Research Centre have been on a slowdown strike for three months over a wage increase demand that was refused.

"The government unanimously approved the request of the Israel Atomic Energy Commission head to implement emergency regulations that would enable the issuing of back-to-work orders to employees of the Nuclear Research Centre," the Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's office said.

The statement said that the strike was "disrupting activities essential to Israel" and that the decision to issue the emergency measures came in light of "an immediate risk" to production at the facility.

It added that back-to-work orders would be issued for up to 50 scientists who will be required to resume full duties within three months.

While vehemently opposing Iran's alleged efforts to create nuclear warheads, Israel is believed to be the Middle East's only nuclear power.

According to a 2015 estimate by the US-based Institute for Science and International Security, Israel is believed to have over 100 nuclear warheads.

Israel has long refused to confirm whether it has nuclear warheads, with the Dimona plant officially saying that it focuses on research and energy provision.

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