Teachers' association threatens strike

Less than 10 days before the beginning of the school year, a possible teachers' strike is brewing in protest of budget cuts that have resulted in the layoff of many teachers. Ran Erez, chairman of the high school teachers' association, on Thursday threatened to hold a strike in communities where teachers had been laid off. According to Erez, the dispute has not been addressed and teachers have no choice but to strike. Education Minister Yuli Tamir said in response that the layoffs were unavoidable, but added that she would fight further cuts in the education budget.