The chairman of Israel’s State Employees Union says Tax Authority workers will not resume operations in Bnei Brak despite a meeting between the city’s mayor and the head of the Israel Tax Authority, insisting that employee safety remains unresolved.

Although Bnei Brak Mayor Chanoch Zeibert met Sunday with Israel Tax Authority Director Shay Aharonovitch and the two sides later issued a joint statement, the State Employees Union made clear that the meeting has not altered its position.

Speaking with Israeli media, State Employees Union chairman Attorney Ofir Elkalei said the union’s directive barring Tax Authority employees from returning to work in Bnei Brak remains fully in effect.

“The blood of Tax Authority employees is not hefker. A highly publicized meeting with the mayor still does not guarantee the safety of Tax Authority employees,” Elkalei said. “Unfortunately, there has been no discussion whatsoever with the workers’ representatives on this issue, and another attack could happen as soon as tomorrow.”

Elkalei stressed that the union’s policy has not changed.

“Therefore, Tax Authority employees will not return to work in the city of Bnei Brak until we know how their safety will be protected while they are carrying out their duties.”

He added that neither the meeting nor the coordinated announcement issued by the municipality and the Tax Authority affects the union’s decision.

“Aharonovitch can go back to work,” Elkalei concluded, “but the employees are not returning to Bnei Brak.”

{Matzav.com}