Social Workers Strike Over Staff Shortages Affecting Disabled Services
The Social Workers Union, affiliated with the Histadrut labor federation, has initiated a series of sanctions in protest against a shortage of professional positions and what they claim is harm to both workers and individuals with disabilities. These sanctions involve social workers in the disability sector ceasing participation in training sessions, meetings, and forums organized by the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs and Social Services.
This action follows a demand last month by union chair Inbal Hermoni for state intervention and an increase in staff quotas. The union cites increased workloads resulting from the implementation of the Law on Welfare Services for Persons with Disabilities as the cause. According to the union, the Ministry of Labor has not yet addressed the labor dispute, the staffing crisis, or the heavy workloads.
Union officials told "Davar" that if negotiations with the ministry do not yield a solution, the sanctions will continue and potentially escalate. However, they emphasized that the sanctions do not include halting direct care for individuals with disabilities and their families, and that essential services will continue within existing capacity and resources.
The Law on Welfare Services for Persons with Disabilities, effective in 2024, expands rights for independent community living. Its implementation has added tasks for social workers, including supporting individuals transitioning to community housing, developing new services, ongoing professional training, adapting work methods, and expanding consultation processes. The union states that each social worker now handles an average of over 208 cases, with expectations of further increases.
Hermoni affirmed the union's support for the law's goals but stressed that its implementation requires adequate staffing and resources. She stated, "The Ministry of Labor and the Local Government Association must find a solution," adding that the union will not accept the law's implementation in a way that exacerbates worker burnout and potentially compromises service quality for individuals with disabilities and their families.
