Israeli Energy Workers Secure Annual Raises and Bonuses in New Labor Agreements

The Histadrut labor federation, OPC Energy group, and employee committees have signed a series of collective labor agreements aimed at regulating labor relations in Israel's private electricity generation sector. The agreements cover the OPC Hadera power station, and for the first time, the OPC Tzomet Energy and OPC Sorek 2 stations. These accords are designed to strengthen organizational ties, significantly improve wages, pensions, and employee welfare, and provide the company with long-term industrial stability.

Under the new agreements, employees will receive annual salary increases of 4% to 4.5%, along with a 400 shekel addition to their base salary. A budget has also been allocated for annual bonuses averaging 2.5 base salaries per employee, in addition to operational bonuses for workers at the Hadera and Sorek 2 plants. Pension contributions will be increased to the maximum rate, and pensionable salary bases will be raised for shift workers. Employee benefits related to vacation, convalescence, travel, meals, and general welfare will also be significantly expanded.

The agreement at Tzomet Energy is valid until December 2029, the Sorek 2 agreement until March 2030, and the Hadera agreement extends to December 2030. Negotiations for a renewed agreement at the OPC Rotem power station, which currently operates under an existing collective agreement, are expected to begin in the coming months. These agreements are part of a national initiative by the Histadrut to organize workers in the private power station industry, led by a national team established by Histadrut Chairman Arnon Bar-David.

Histadrut Chairman Arnon Bar-David emphasized the importance of unionizing workers in the electricity generation sector to ensure their rights are protected, calling the agreements "foundational moments" for an industry vital to Israel's energy continuity. OPC Operations VP Yoav Gorli highlighted the company's growth and commitment to a respectful work environment, noting OPC Rotem was the first private power station to sign a collective agreement in 2015. Adv. Tehila Benishu, Deputy Director of the Professional Union Division, described the agreements as a "true win-win," enhancing employee conditions while providing the employer with stability.