Partial airport work stoppage threatens departing flights to U.S.

Labor strife at the Israel Airports Authority is threatening to ground flights scheduled to depart Ben-Gurion Airport on Sunday night and into Monday morning.

IAA workers announced a partial strike that is expected to disrupt departing flights, prompting IAA management to seek an injunction from the regional labor court so as to prevent extended delays for travelers. The authority also opened a situation room.

The partial work stoppage is likely to primarly affect trans-Atlantic flights to the United States. Passenger luggage from incoming flights will not be unloaded.

The move was decided upon Sunday after negotiations for a new labor deal reached a dead end. Management and workers remain at odds over the status of part-time workers as well as contractor employees.