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UNI Global Union is backing the main Israeli trade union federation, Histadrut which launched a national strike today in protest at the government's use of contract workers, who often earn less and receive fewer benefits than permanent employees.

Overnight talks between Histadrut and the finance ministry did not resolve the issue.

After the talks, Histadrut’s leader, Ofer Eini said, "The only weapon workers have is the weapon of a strike.”

Histadrut wants the government to hire 250,000 contract workers, including cleaners and security guards, whose working conditions are worse than those of workers directly on the government's payrolls.

Histadrut has reached an agreement with the Co-ordinating Bureau of Economic Organisations which represents private companies. The agreement made on Tuesday ensures that contract workers who have worked full time for at least one year are hired directly, rather than through an employment agency.