Israeli Workers' Voting Rights on Election Day Explained
Translated & summarized from Al-Shams by baba
The Head of the Equality Deepening Department at the Histadrut of the Histadrut outlined workers' rights on election day, stating employers must allow time for voting and that election day is a paid holiday. He clarified that even workers in essential services have the right to vote, and employers cannot pressure employees regarding their political choices. Workers can report violations to the Ministry of Labor or the Histadrut.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Workers are entitled to time off to vote on election day, even if employed in essential services.
- Employers must provide sufficient time for voting and cannot pressure employees regarding their political choices.
- Election day is a paid holiday, and employers cannot deduct it from annual leave balances.
- Workers can report violations of their voting rights to the Ministry of Labor or the Histadrut.
- Employers are prohibited from threatening or penalizing employees for their voting decisions.
The Head of the Equality Deepening Department at the Histadrut, head of the Equality Deepening Department at the Histadrut, clarified workers' rights on election day, emphasizing that employees are entitled to vote even if they work in essential services or places permitted to operate on election day. Employers are legally obligated to provide sufficient time for employees to cast their ballots between the opening and closing of polls, from 7 AM to 10 PM.
The Head of the Equality Deepening Department at the Histadrut explained that election day is considered a holiday, similar to a "Shabbat" according to Hebrew definitions, but not all workplaces are closed. The Election Committee publishes a list of facilities allowed to operate, which can include sectors beyond typical emergency services, such as restaurants, cafes, public transportation, and gas stations. He urged workers to check this list to determine if their workplace is included.
Regarding employment on election day, the Head of the Equality Deepening Department at the Histadrut stated that employers cannot force employees to work if their workplace is not on the operational list. Any work arrangement must be based on mutual agreement and employee consent. He noted that work on this day might involve double pay, and employees cannot be compelled to work against legal arrangements. Election day is a paid holiday, and employers must pay workers for the day, without deducting from their annual leave balance.
Workers facing issues, such as employers deducting election day from leave, can seek correction or compensation. They can file a complaint with the Ministry of Labor or contact the Histadrut for assistance through its regional offices or by calling its hotline at 2383.
The Head of the Equality Deepening Department at the Histadrut also stressed the protection of workers' political freedom, stating that employers are prohibited from pressuring or influencing employees' voting choices. Using authority to pressure or threaten workers over their electoral decisions is illegal. He affirmed that the freedom to vote and express oneself are fundamental rights that must be respected in the workplace. Employers cannot threaten dismissal or punishment for voting or for refusing to disclose one's vote. Workers facing such coercion are advised to report to the union or relevant authorities. The Head of the Equality Deepening Department at the Histadrut reiterated that employers must respect workers' voting rights, provide the necessary time, and refrain from circumventing election day arrangements or influencing voters.
