Bnei Brak Municipality Workers Rebel Against Austerity Measures

The workers' union at the Bnei Brak Municipality has launched a protest against new efficiency measures and cost-cutting directives, citing potential harm to employee conditions and salaries. The directives, which stem from demands by the Ministry of Interior due to the municipality's financial situation, include limitations on overtime hours, restrictions on Friday work, and stricter attendance monitoring.

In a letter to employees, union chairman Nehemia Shaked and acting chairman Riki Shimel expressed strong opposition to the new rules. They acknowledged the municipality's financial challenges but argued that workers, particularly those with lower incomes, should not bear the brunt of the austerity. The union stressed the need for proportional efficiency measures and dialogue with employee representatives.

The new regulations, implemented last week, cap overtime at three hours per day with prior approval and require advance permission for working on Fridays. Stricter controls on manual timekeeping have also been introduced.

Rank-and-file employees have voiced anger and frustration, with one telling local media that overtime is a significant component of their pay and that the new restrictions, coupled with limitations on Friday work, will substantially reduce their income. The union has stated it prefers negotiation but warned of potential organizational and legal action if unilateral measures detrimental to workers are pursued without adequate discussion.

The municipality's management had previously informed employees about the need for cuts, including in staffing, as requested by the Ministry of Interior. They claimed efforts were being made to implement efficiency systemically while trying to avoid impacting employee rights.