If the Histadrut labor federation threatens port reforms, the government will retaliate with measures against organized labor, Transportation Minister Israel Katz said on Saturday.

While the government is prepared to negotiate with Histadrut chairman Ofer Eini, Katz warned that it would be a mistake on his part to declare a general strike.

“A strike would lead the government to take steps that would be problematic for him, like passing a compulsory arbitration law,” Katz said. “If Eini will prevent me from upgrading import to the State of Israel and from lowering the price of products for all citizens – Eini doesn’t want to reach that point.”

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