Ben Gurion Airport Asks Security Staff to Load Luggage Amid Staff Shortage

Ben Gurion Airport is facing a severe staff shortage, prompting security personnel to volunteer for baggage handling duties during peak hours. This initiative comes just one day after the Airport Authority, the workers' union, and the Histadrut labor federation announced agreements aimed at ensuring smooth operations during the upcoming holidays and accelerating recruitment.

An internal memo revealed that security staff were asked to volunteer for six-hour shifts in baggage loading and unloading, a task typically handled by a different department. To incentivize participation, volunteers were offered vouchers worth up to 700 shekels, depending on the number of shifts completed. This move highlights the ongoing struggle to fill positions in the baggage sorting system, a key point of contention between the Airport Authority and the workers' union.

A union representative told ynet that this request finally acknowledges the management's recognition of the staff deficit and their attempt to enlist help from the security division during the busy holiday season. The airport anticipates approximately 2.5 million passengers will pass through during September and the High Holidays, with four specific days expected to see around 100,000 passengers each.

The staff shortage previously led to significant disruptions on August 20, when landings were halted for an hour, flights were delayed or canceled, and many passengers departed without their luggage. The Airport Authority blamed the union for a deliberate work stoppage, while the union chairman denied this, citing persistent understaffing and overworked employees. The recent agreement includes a commitment from the Authority to expedite hiring for the holiday period.