Histadrut Reports Over 300 Collective Agreements, New Unions Formed
The Histadrut labor federation announced it signed over 300 collective agreements during the Hebrew year 5786 (Tashpag), improving working conditions and job security for hundreds of thousands of Israeli workers. These agreements were negotiated alongside efforts to protect workers during the ongoing war, advance legislation for worker protection, and provide social welfare benefits to union members and all Israeli residents.
Histadrut Chairman Arnon Bar-David stated that the collective agreements provided essential stability and security to workers during a year of uncertainty, in addition to salary and condition improvements. He emphasized the ongoing fight against the high cost of living and the importance of unity in the workplace, aiming to foster connection and contribute to Israel's recovery and growth in the coming year.
Notable agreements included the permanent incorporation of wartime protections for reservists and their spouses, an increase in the value of recuperation days for private sector employees, and new arrangements for training and supplementary pay in local authorities, with a focus on education and welfare sectors. Historic agreements were also signed for youth village workers and, for the first time in 16 years, for firefighters and rescue workers.
The federation also reported a continued trend of unionization, with new committees established at previously unorganized workplaces, including within the Ichilov Hospital health corporation and the national infrastructure company "Cross Israel." A significant legal victory was noted with a ruling against "Dfus Emanuel" in Rishon LeZion, ordering the company to pay NIS 500,000 for hindering employee organizing efforts.
In response to the war, the Histadrut expanded protections for reservists, extending their job security from 30 to 60 days and granting paid leave to their spouses for childcare. The federation also advocated for improved government compensation plans for businesses and workers affected by the conflict, including shortening the required unpaid leave period for unemployment benefits. A special aid fund provided financial assistance to workers facing hardship, with grants of NIS 7,000 distributed to evacuated union members.
Legislatively, the Histadrut successfully opposed attempts to freeze the minimum wage increase, resulting in a rise to NIS 6,443.85 in April. New safety regulations were enacted for the construction industry, clarifying responsibilities on building sites, and a NIS 6,000 grant was extended to public sector security and cleaning staff. Additionally, retirees with defined contribution pensions in state and local government were included in welfare fund activities for the first time.
Internationally, the Histadrut signed a cooperation agreement with Poland's largest union, OPZZ, and marked 50 years of partnership with Germany's DGB. The organization also supported the International Labour Organization's convention on platform economy worker rights.
