Tel Aviv University Academic Staff Union Sues Over Withheld Employment Data
Translated & summarized from Davar by baba
The Joint Academic Staff Organization at Tel Aviv University has sued the institution, demanding the resumption of full employment data for its over 5,000 members. The university recently reduced data sharing, citing a new privacy law amendment. The union argues this data is essential for enforcing collective agreements and protecting workers' rights, a practice that has been in place for over 15 years. The union claims the university is misusing the privacy law to undermine its protective functions.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- The Joint Academic Staff Organization at Tel Aviv University sued over withheld employment data.
- The union represents over 5,000 faculty members and needs data to enforce agreements.
- Tel Aviv University cited a new privacy law amendment for reducing data sharing.
- The union claims the university is cynically exploiting the law to withhold vital information.
- The union proposed a confidentiality agreement, which was rejected by the university.
The Joint Academic Staff Organization at Tel Aviv University, representing over 5,000 faculty members, has filed a petition with the Regional Labor Court in Tel Aviv. The union is demanding that the university resume providing full employment data for its members, which it claims is essential for enforcing collective agreements and protecting workers' rights. The university, however, has unilaterally decided to reduce the information shared with the union, citing a recent amendment to the Privacy Protection Law that took effect in August 2025.
For over 15 years, Tel Aviv University consistently supplied the union with comprehensive employment data, including details on appointment rank, employment scope, and academic title. This information was crucial for the union to monitor collective agreement implementation, verify faculty rights, respond to employee inquiries, and conduct collective bargaining. Starting in March 2026, the university ceased providing some of this data without the union's consent.
The union argues that the amendment to the Privacy Protection Law does not preclude the continued transfer of this data, especially with proper notification to employees. They also contend that the university cannot unilaterally alter a long-standing collective agreement and practice using the new law as justification. The union's petition, filed by attorney Kfir Ze'ev, emphasizes the fundamental right of a representative labor organization to access necessary information for its oversight functions.
Uri Vollman, Chairman of the Joint Academic Staff Organization, stated that the university is cynically exploiting the privacy law amendment to withhold vital information. He noted that the union had proposed signing a strict confidentiality agreement to address any privacy concerns, but this offer was rejected. Vollman expressed hope that the court would clarify that the law, intended to protect employees, cannot be used to undermine their rights or the union's ability to defend them.