This week, educators across Israel protested salary reductions, despite a formal agreement signed between the Teachers’ Union and the Ministry of Finance. Hundreds of schools remained closed after many staff members reported being on sick leave, leading the Wage Commissioner to declare that such sick days would not be honoured for salary purposes.

In an interview with Israel Hayom, Adv. Shani Marom, a partner in our Labour Law Department, stated:
“The surge in sick leave reports by teaching staff, in the wake of a court-prohibited strike, raises fundamental legal questions. While the law allows employers to require an independent medical examination, broad application faces logistical and procedural challenges. The Wage Commissioner’s position – that sick days taken in connection with the strike will not be paid – is not grounded in law, which prohibits blanket denials without individual assessment. This situation calls for responsibility – protecting workers’ rights while maintaining the education system’s functionality. The right path is dialogue with employee representatives and developing tools for case-by-case review where suspicion arises.”

Full article (Hebrew): Israel Hayom