Elbit Arad Factory Workers Unionize, Secure First Collective Agreement

Workers at the Elbit Arad factory, which produces communication systems for the defense industry, have successfully unionized and secured their first collective labor agreement. The initiative, spearheaded by a group of young electronics engineers including Ran Sabah, Rafael Ben Muha, Shi Nagan, and Amir Nedaouker, began about a year and a half before the High Holidays last year. They approached their colleagues discreetly, fearing initial resistance from older, long-term employees.

With assistance from the Histadrut labor federation's organizational department, the workers planned and executed a coordinated effort. Within a single day, approximately 70% of the factory's roughly 100 employees, many of whom are local residents from southern Israel, joined the union. Natalia Kartnikov, an eight-year employee who joined the organizing committee, noted the initial fear quickly turned into excitement and a sense of positive change.

The union committee, strengthened by Kartnikov's inclusion representing the older workforce, then entered into negotiations with the factory and divisional management. The process was guided by Tomer Marziano, the central Negev region's trade union director. Despite initial challenges, a collaborative atmosphere developed between the union and management, with Ben Muha stating that both parties learned to see themselves as sharing a common responsibility rather than opposing sides.

The collective agreement, signed on July 23rd, includes a factory minimum wage of 6,800 shekels, rising to 10,000 shekels depending on the role. It also establishes salary increases, including a special supplement for low-wage earners, up to a 9% bonus for outstanding employees, and increased pension contributions. Additionally, the agreement allocates thousands of shekels per employee for vacation and welfare, along with improved bonuses and compensation for travel and meals.

The union members view the agreement as a significant achievement, not just in its specific terms but in fundamentally altering labor relations at the plant. They encourage other workers considering unionization to pursue it strategically, emphasizing the power of collective action and seeking support from organizations like the Histadrut.