Airport Workers Union Head Denies Strike, Blames Management for Shutdown

The chairman of the Airports and Border Crossings Authority Workers Union, Pinchas Idan, has refuted claims that his members went on strike, stating instead that workers sought to end extended shifts due to a severe staffing shortage. Idan asserted that the responsibility for the disruption at Ben Gurion Airport lies with the management.

In an interview, Idan detailed the critical lack of hundreds of employees, leading to 12-hour workdays. He highlighted the ongoing struggle for better working conditions and fair treatment for the staff. The union leader also addressed criticism he faced from within the Likud party, his subsequent removal from the party, and his continued loyalty despite these challenges.

Idan's statements aim to clarify the events that led to the airport's operational paralysis, presenting the workers' actions as a response to unsustainable working conditions rather than a deliberate work stoppage. He emphasized the union's commitment to resolving the issues through dialogue, but also indicated a readiness to continue fighting for the employees' rights.