Israel Faces ‘General Strike’ Call Over Judicial Reforms
The protests in Israel calling for judicial reform continue to grow, with viral posts now citing the possibility of a general strike. Before understanding the implications of such a decision, let us take a look at the underlying situation causing this call to action.
Background to the Judicial Reform Protests in Israel
For many years, Israel’s judicial system has been subject to much criticism from the public, with many citing a lack of accountability, transparency, judicial independence and equality. Now, with the coming together of various political and ideological causes, grassroots activists have united to unite the judicial system with a call for reforms.
These protesters began in early May of 2021 and have been growing in number ever since, with large crowds assembling in key areas, such as Jerusalem’s Zion Square and Herzliya’s Park Hayarkon, as well as smaller demonstrations organized in other cities such as Haifa. The Government has dismissed the protests and refused to meet the demands of the protesters, who have set out a list of demands and ask that they should not be negotiated or abandoned.
What is the General Strike?
Given the growing anger within the public and the Government’s refusal to engage in dialogue, calls for a general strike have been gaining momentum. Protesters have called for a nationwide shutdown to compel the Government to begin meaningful negotiations, with further hints that if the Government continues to ignore and postpone this issue, then more drastic action may be taken.
But what is a general strike? A general strike is a coordinated strike by workers in different industries and from varying economic backgrounds, such as civil servants and organized labor, simultaneously refusing to take part in paid employment.
The strike is usually of indefinite duration and can sometimes last for days, weeks or months. Strikes of this kind have a powerful impact, as by bringing the country to a collective standstill the message sent by the strikers is profound and often finds itself creating both dialogue and results in the political arena.
Reasons Why a General Strike Could be Effective
Whilst a general strike is sometimes cited as a strong and sententious maneuver and has proven itself in the past to be effective in certain struggles and societies, there are a number of reasons why this could be viable in Israel’s current climate and battle for judicial reform.
Firstly, the movement is integrated into the larger structure of the solidarity network, whereby different causes are interlinked, highlighting how larger political change is required in order to achieve equality within the judiciary. This type of mobilization is young and determined and those participating in the protests remain resolute, despite the Government’s lack of acknowledgment.
Second, Israel’s economic state and size make a general strike a viable measure. Israel is significantly smaller than other countries with powerful and influential industries such as manufacturing, construction, transportation and telecommunications. With a shutdown of such vital services, Israel could face political and economic instability, thus providing much incentive for the Government to listen to the protesters.
Furthermore, the solidarity network in Israel is growing ever more powerful, and is further unified by the issue at hand – the call for meaningful judicial reform. Social media networks have been strong mobilizing forces and the videos of demonstrations throughout the country have highlighted an immense passion and commitment to the cause which the Government’s silence will struggle to ignore.
Finally, there is a genuine enthusiasm amongst the protesters, a belief that a strike of this kind can truly promote change, a sense of excitement of taking records back and empowering dispossessed people within the judiciary.
Potential Consequences
Whilst a general strike can find itself producing rapid and profound results, it is not without its risks and potential consequences. It is worth noting that in Israel, general strikes are far from unprecedented and the nation has seen a strike of vast proportion at its doors before, with workers involved in the 2006 strike over minimum wage and unemployment benefits demanding 41.7% wage increase for workers.
A general strike can also have an extremely negative impact upon businesses, companies and services, with losses often amounting to far more than the Government has a capacity of dealing with. The strikes of 2006 saw a loss of an estimated $2.2 billion dollars, the highest loss to date, causing companies to fail and workers to lose their income.
It is also worth noting the detrimental impact such a scenario could bring to employees, as businesses are forced to close and workers are yet again subject to its consequences. Legally, workers on strike must usually give two weeks’ notice when deciding to strike and this can often be difficult for smaller companies, with large employers much better prepared for the financial and logistical hindrance strikes can subject them too.
Although the protests for judicial reform in Israel continue to grow in size and news of the potential of a general strike is beginning to circulate, it is necessary to understand the implications of such a decision.
Whilst general strikes have proven successful in the past, with massive union structures that support the move, this form of protest should also be assessed and understood with caution, as it has its risks and potential consequences.
Israel’s economy is fragile, as are its business cycles, and whilst there is much enthusiasm and faith amongst the protesters associated with a general strike and the monumental capacity it can bring to the cause, it should still be undertaken with respect and great thought.
Ultimately, with further demonstrations scheduled and a continued call for the Government to begin meaningful negotiations with the protesters, the questions now remains if such action is enough to compel change. Whilst a general strike may set the scene for something louder and unprecedented, this remains to be seen, with only the actions of the nation in the coming days and weeks being able to answer this query.