Government appeals to the labour court to set an injunction against any further stoppages by the IMA and doctors

At the end of May, the Ministries of Health and Finance appealed to the Tel Aviv District Labour Court requesting that they issue an injunction banning the Israeli Medical Association and doctors working in public hospitals from any further work stoppages. 

The IMA stated that the only reason for submitting an application to the court by the Treasury is an attempt to thwart the resolution of the doctors conflict and avoid solving the main issues. The IMA is taking moderate steps in the sanctions out of responsibility to the public.

The Ministries appeal stated that the IMA is taking advantage of its power to advance the interests of its members and added that they would offer the doctors accelerated negotiations, monitored by the court or arbitration.

On the 2^nd June, the Tel Aviv district Court rejected the petition by the state. The court accepted a compromise proposed by the IMA, under which the doctors will limit their labor sanctions. The court also ordered the parties to conduct intensive negotiations for two weeks, after which they will notify the court of the progress in the talks.

Judge Michael Spitzer told the Ministry of Finance, there is no case for an injunction because the doctors had not completely shut down the health system, and were only taking "measured" steps.

Both the IMA and the Ministries expressed satisfaction with the ruling.