Flights at Israeli flag carrier El Al and two smaller airlines remained grounded for a second straight day on Monday due to a strike by workers protesting against a new open skies deal with Europe which they fear could cost them their jobs.
Nearly 50 El Al flights from Tel Aviv were cancelled on Monday, affecting some 15,000 passengers, although the airline's union did allow three flights to take off.
Israel's Manufacturers' Association, concerned over the impact the strike will have on foreign trade, urged the labour court to step in and order airline employees back to work. The court was expected to hear arguments later on Monday.
"There is no deadline for the strike to end," said Dafna Cohen-Nouriel, the Histadrut's spokeswoman.
Nearly 50 El Al flights from Tel Aviv were cancelled on Monday, affecting some 15,000 passengers, although the airline's union did allow three flights to take off.
Israel's Manufacturers' Association, concerned over the impact the strike will have on foreign trade, urged the labour court to step in and order airline employees back to work. The court was expected to hear arguments later on Monday.
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The Histadrut labour federation said it would shut Ben-Gurion International Airport, Israel's main airport, to all incoming and outgoing flights on Tuesday at 5 a.m. (0200 GMT) for four hours.
"There is no deadline for the strike to end," said Dafna Cohen-Nouriel, the Histadrut's spokeswoman.