Mekorot and Workers Sign New Collective Agreement with Significant Salary Increases
Translated & summarized from Davar by baba
Mekorot, Israel's national water company, signed a new five-year collective agreement with its employees, granting cumulative salary increases over 20%, a NIS 13,000 signing bonus, and new professional advancement tracks. The deal aims to improve employee conditions, aid recruitment and retention amid industry competition, and enhance the company's operational capabilities. Officials praised the agreement as a crucial investment in human capital and a step towards modernizing the company.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Mekorot employees will receive over 20% in cumulative salary increases and a NIS 13,000 signing bonus.
- A new agreement establishes professional advancement tracks at all levels within Mekorot for the first time.
- The five-year deal aims to improve working conditions and aid recruitment and retention of skilled staff.
- The agreement comes amid growing competition for talent in the water sector and future challenges.
- Officials highlighted the importance of investing in human capital for Mekorot's future and national role.
Mekorot, Israel's national water company, has signed a new five-year collective agreement with its employees, represented by the Histadrut and the Histadrut HaOfek labor unions. The agreement, finalized on Monday, includes substantial improvements in wages and employment conditions, alongside the creation of new professional advancement tracks.
Under the new terms, employees will receive cumulative salary increases exceeding 20% over the agreement's duration, a one-time signing bonus of NIS 13,000, increased pension contributions, and a performance bonus equivalent to one month's salary. Special raises are also designated for field workers crucial to the company's operational activities and infrastructure maintenance nationwide.
A key innovation is the establishment, for the first time in Mekorot's history, of professional advancement pathways at all levels and core positions. This aims to provide employees with long-term career prospects, recognizing their experience and expertise. The agreement also introduces a new salary range model, raising minimum wage levels and expanding salary progression opportunities, allowing employees to advance even after reaching their current pay ceiling.
The new agreement is intended to bolster employees' financial security, reward excellence, and improve working conditions, while also equipping Mekorot with better tools for recruiting and retaining skilled professionals. This comes amid increasing competition for talent in engineering, technology, and operations, and in anticipation of the challenges facing Israel's water sector in the coming years.
Officials from the Histadrut, Mekorot management, and the Ministry of Finance expressed satisfaction with the agreement. Histadrut Chairman Arnon Bar David called it a significant step in developing Mekorot into a "high-tech company," emphasizing investment in human capital and good labor relations. Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Eli Cohen highlighted Mekorot's resilience, particularly during recent water infrastructure challenges, and stated the agreement is vital for maintaining its status as Israel's national water company. Mekorot Chairman Moshe Shimoni noted the agreement, two years in the making, will enable the company to meet national challenges while preserving its most important asset: its human capital. CEO Dani Supper reiterated the commitment to employees, who ensure continuous water supply, and called the agreement an investment in the company's future ability to attract and retain top talent.
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