Israel's Road Safety Institute Reaches New Labor Agreement

A new labor agreement has been signed between the Histadrut labor federation, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Health, and the workers' committee of the National Institute for Road Safety (MARBAD). The deal aims to significantly improve employment conditions and compensation for MARBAD employees, enhance public service, and reduce waiting times.

Under the agreement, each employee will receive a NIS 12,000 incentive bonus as part of efforts to streamline work and reduce backlogs. The deal also includes advancements in employee ranks, an increase in company car allocations to meet employee needs, and expanded on-call duty quotas to compensate for work performed outside regular hours.

MARBAD, a unit within the Ministry of Health, specializes in traffic medicine and the prevention of accidents caused by drivers' health conditions. Its employees assess drivers' medical fitness, manage cases, schedule examinations, conduct tests, and provide professional opinions to the licensing authority.

The Histadrut reported that waiting times at MARBAD have decreased from approximately 18 months to four months in the past year, with a goal of reaching three months. This reduction was achieved through a broader initiative to improve the institute's operations, including strengthening staff, optimizing workflows, and significantly cutting the backlog of cases.

Union leaders and Ministry of Health officials praised the agreement, emphasizing a commitment to improving employee conditions and public service. They highlighted the transformation MARBAD has undergone, moving towards advanced work methods and prioritizing employees. The agreement is seen as a model for future labor relations within the civil service.