TEL AVIV, Israel, April 18 (UPI) -- A labor union in Israel said it is supporting a strike at three airlines set for Sunday to protest a national policy opening routes for foreign competitors.
The new "Open Skies" policy stems from a deal struck with the European Union in July that will allow foreign carriers to establish new routes that would significantly increase competition for business, broadcaster Arutz Sheva reported Thursday.
Labor union Histadrut issues a statement that said, "Israeli citizens will not support a deal that will sacrifice the incomes of thousands of families just to please foreign carriers."
Workers at El Al, Arkia, and Israir are concerned about possible job losses, Arutz Sheva reported.
The union is demanding the Open Skies policy be postponed until domestic carriers are offered the same options as foreign carriers. The union is also demanding the government defray the costs for airport security.
