JERUSALEM -- An Israeli public sector strike officially ended Thursday after a union head negotiated all night with the country's finance minister.
Histadrut Labor Federation Chairman Ofer Eini and Finance Minister Roni Bar-On agreed after all-night talks to give all workers in the public sector 5 percent raises, the Jerusalem Post reported Thursday.
The union had demanded 10 percent raises for all workers.
The pay raise will amount to 1 1/2 percent in January 2008, 1 1/2 percent in December 2008 and the remaining 2 percent in 2009.
"The agreement represents the will of the employees but also considers the needs of the economy," Bar-On said.
"The deal is good for both sides and it proves that real discussions around the negotiating table can lead to an agreement," Eini told the Post.
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