KKL Employees Boycott Company Gala Amid Labor Dispute
Jewish National Fund (KKL) employees are largely boycotting the organization's annual gala event, scheduled for Wednesday evening at the Amphitheater in Shuni. The event, celebrating KKL's 125th anniversary, features performances by Shlomi Shabat and Pablo Rosenberg, a Rosh Hashanah toast, an awards ceremony, food, and music. However, only about 300 out of 1,200 KKL employees have registered to attend, a turnout attributed to a protracted labor dispute with management that began in May 2023.
To encourage attendance, management has significantly enhanced the event's perks. Attendees will receive a day off, can bring a partner, and are permitted to start work at 10:00 AM the following day. This leniency contrasts sharply with a previous request by the workers' committee for a similar late start after their summer event, which was reportedly denied. The committee also claims management attempted to hinder their event.
The labor conflict involves allegations by the workers' union that KKL management is unilaterally violating agreements on welfare and cultural activities, reducing them, and making employment decisions without consulting employee representatives. A dispute also exists over proposed changes to the number of board members involved in labor relations, which the union fears could weaken employee representation. The conflict has persisted for over three years.
Recent escalations include a warning letter from the workers' organization to CEO Ilan Shohat, accusing him of attempting to undermine organized labor. Specific grievances mentioned involve the termination of a deputy chairman, reassignment of an assistant chairman, and a letter sent to another committee member, with some actions already reaching the Labor Court. KKL Chairman Eyal Ostrovsky is also accused of trying to oust the current union chairman.
The workers' organization estimates the promised day off for attendees will cost KKL approximately 1.5 million shekels, funded from the organization's budget to incentivize participation and compete with the committee's own welfare activities. Sources within the committee and board suggest the enhanced benefits are a tactic to avoid an embarrassing low turnout at the lavish event, using KKL resources to 'buy' attendance. The outcome of the gala, and whether the incentives will be enough to draw a crowd, remains to be seen, with the situation drawing parallels to the Israeli play "The Summer of Avia."
KKL responded by stating there is no tension between employees and management and that the claim of "luring" employees is baseless. They explained the extended benefits, including bringing partners and a day off, were granted in response to numerous employee requests due to the venue's distance from central and southern Israel and its proximity to Rosh Hashanah preparations. KKL also noted the event includes an awards ceremony for approximately 30 outstanding employees being honored for their work in rehabilitating the Negev and Galilee regions.
