On Thursday of last week, Barak directed two lawyers to hand pink slips to workers at headquarters.

Outraged by the dismissals, effective immediately, employees barricaded themselves, remaining there over the weekend.

The employees said they were most angered because Barak did not meet with them personally in an effort to seek another solution.

During a meeting last Friday with Labor Knesset members, Barak tried to explain his decision. But he drew anger that he could not hand down dictates as if he were still running the army.

Barak said reforms were essential if the party was to function.

The sit-in ended Sunday after Barak announced that he had put off the dismissals for 10 days and would meet with the employees at party headquarters.