Postal strike hits businesses in urban centers

Postal workers are in the midst of labor dispute demanding a governmental "security net" for them, as the post services undergo privatization process
 
According to a trade union spokesman the "security net" should include a governmental commitment not to fire any employees beyond the 450 workers which the trade union had agreed would retire as part of the process in which the Postal Service becomes a registered company.
 
In addition the "net" should make sure that none of the existing wage agreements is changed.
 
The labor dispute is reportedly causing heavy losses to the postal service. The Postal Service's clients in the "periphery" are hardest hit, many have not been getting mail for three weeks, and businesses in the periphery are also suffering great economic hardship.
 
Regular and registered mail are not delivered anywhere outside Israel's urban centers (except in the Gaza Belt); ownership transfers for cars are not being carried out; diplomatic mail is not being delivered and government offices including the Knesset are not getting mail.