Prime Minister’s Office Director-General Ilan Cohen chaired a meeting on the issue of the planned reforms at Israel’s ports.  Finance Ministry Wage Director Yuval Rachlevsky, Finance ministry Deputy Budget Director Shaul Tzemach, Israel Manufacturer’s Association President Shraga Brosh, Federation of Chambers of Commerce President Uriel Lynn and Maritime transport Users Association Chairman Eyal Malamud were present at the meeting at which a detailed update on the negotiations with Histadrut representatives and those of the port employees committees.
 
Finance Ministry Wage Director Rachlevsky briefed participants on the progress in the negotiations regarding port reform.  He said that today, four working groups are active on the following issues: port employees’ rights during the transition period to the companies, early retirement terms, the financial position of the port companies and pension rights.
 
Prime Minister’s Office Director-General Cohen said that he intended to convene bi-weekly meetings of government and trade and industry representatives for additional updates in order to make every effort to prevent the possibility of a strike when the reforms begin to be implemented.
 
It should be pointed out that the Ports and Shipping Law - in the framework of which, four government companies will be established - will go into effect on 17.2.05.