Bnei Brak Municipality Employs Hundreds Over Retirement Age, Costing Millions
New data reveals that the Bnei Brak Municipality employs 219 workers who have passed the age of 67, at an annual salary cost of approximately NIS 38.6 million. Among these employees, 22 are over 70, 8 are over 80, and three are over 90 years old, with the oldest employee being 94.
The average monthly salary for these older employees is around NIS 14,700, with a median exceeding NIS 13,650. Notably, 46 of these employees earn over NIS 20,000 per month, and one 69-year-old employee earns as much as NIS 76,000 monthly.
These figures emerge amidst ongoing efforts by the municipality to implement efficiency plans and budget cuts. The workers' committee has opposed these measures, announcing a special information meeting for employees.
The Bnei Brak Municipality responded to the report by stating that most of these employees are not yet at the mandatory retirement age. They explained that age 67 is not a strict retirement requirement and that some employees continue working legally under specific provisions. The municipality also noted that, according to Interior Ministry guidelines, consensual retirement age with municipal committee approval is 72. For employees over 72, continued employment requires a council meeting approval, and the municipality intends to review these cases individually.
The municipality further clarified that employees under 67 are not relevant to the retirement age discussion, as there is no mandatory retirement at that age. They also mentioned specific cases, such as parents who lost children, for whom mandatory retirement is delayed until age 71, allowing them to continue working legally. The municipality asserts that all employees up to age 72 are employed lawfully.
