Lawyer Awarded $10,000 After Suing Health Provider for $130,000

A former employee of Clalit Health Services, who was hired as an economist in 2014 with the understanding that she would also provide legal counsel, has been awarded 38,000 shekels (approximately $10,000) by the Regional Labor Court. She had sued for 500,000 shekels (approximately $130,000), alleging workplace bullying and a demotion that diminished her legal role. The court, however, rejected the bullying claim.

The dispute stemmed from a decision in August 2023 that redefined her duties, reducing her legal responsibilities without affecting her salary. The plaintiff argued she had effectively served as the district's legal advisor and that the decision was punitive, intended to punish her for exposing improper management. While the court acknowledged that she performed legal tasks and was referred to as a legal advisor by some within Clalit, it ruled that this did not grant her an official legal position within the organization, especially since she was not part of the legal department and no such positions existed in the districts at the time.

The court also dismissed her claim that her manager's attitude changed after she reported improper handling of a tender for clinic signage in 2016. Evidence showed the manager supported her recommendation to cancel the tender and that their professional relationship continued. The court found no objective basis for the bullying allegations, noting their professional interactions continued even daily at times.

However, the court did find Clalit at fault for a lack of transparency and clarity regarding the division of responsibilities between the plaintiff and the official legal department. The court noted that feedback sessions were not conducted, and the process of removing the tender responsibilities from her without prior discussion or written notice was flawed. The court also cited the lack of documentation for her interview for a "legal consultant" position as a breach of good faith.

In determining the compensation, the court considered the severity of Clalit's conduct to be not at the highest level, partly because the employee was aware of decisions affecting her. The awarded sum of 38,000 shekels represents about 7.6% of her claim. Each party will bear its own legal costs.