West Bank civil servants threaten protest strikes against Fayyad government

The Deputy Chairman of the Civil Service Union in the West Bank, Ma’en Ansawi, has threatened to begin protests and strikes if Salam Fayyad’s government in Ramallah doesn’t respond to his members’ demands “and provide a decent life for them”. In a press statement, Mr. Ansawi said that living conditions have become “unbearable” and accused the Fayyad government of “obvious negligence”.

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According to Ansawi, “All of the union’s attempts to open a real dialogue with the government have failed due to the lack of seriousness on the part of the relevant committee assigned to discuss issues with us.”

The union boss also said that his members should be given what’s due to them, including promotions and bonuses, as well as travel costs as approved by the Ministry of Transport. “Civil servants are dedicated to their jobs,” he said, “and deserve justice in these matters.”