Rehovot City Hall and Workers' Union Reach Landmark Agreement to Aid Financial Recovery
The Rehovot Municipality and its workers' union have reached a foundational agreement aimed at advancing the city's economic recovery process. This accord, pending approval from the Ministry of Finance, follows a period of disputes and will enable the municipality's management and employees to collaborate on stabilizing the city's finances and fostering future growth.
The agreement was announced during a Rosh Hashanah event at Hadarim Park by Mayor Matan Dila, City Manager Yosefa Haliva, HR Deputy Manager Galit Engel, and Workers' Union Chairman Rami Madhala. Oded Amram, chairman of the Histadrut's Rehovot branch, who facilitated the negotiations, was also present.
This agreement is a crucial component of the current administration's efforts since taking office, inheriting a municipality with hundreds of millions of shekels in accumulated deficits. Alongside previously implemented efficiency measures, the accord with the workers' union is expected to unite the municipal system in a shared effort for Rehovot's financial future and resident services.
Mayor Dila stated that the agreement will allow for "uniting forces, working together, and bringing a significant breakthrough for the city and its residents." He highlighted that the 2026 budget is balanced, with growth anticipated from 2027, calling it a "dramatic breakthrough" for Rehovot. He acknowledged the complexities and difficulties involved but emphasized the necessity of the path forward for the city's repair and progress. The mayor also noted that the Interior Ministry has adopted Rehovot's model as a pilot program for financially struggling cities.
City Manager Haliva described the recovery process as more than just numbers, requiring the engagement of the entire organization and its people. She characterized the agreement as the result of "prolonged, businesslike, and responsible dialogue" and a "shared understanding of the challenges and the responsibility that rests on all of us." The accord provides a more stable foundation for the recovery process while safeguarding municipal employees and services.
