Ex-Phosphate Worker Sues Rotem Amfert, Alleges Cover-Up of Pollution Incidents

A former employee of Rotem Amfert has filed a lawsuit for NIS 1.7 million against the company, alleging abusive treatment and hostile employment conditions. The lawsuit, submitted to the Regional Labor Court in Beersheba, also contains serious accusations regarding the plant's environmental and safety practices, including suspicions of concealing pollution events, procedural violations, and endangering workers' lives. The company vehemently denies these claims, calling them imaginary and baseless.

The former employee, who served in the Givati Brigade and reserves, was initially interviewed for a safety manager position but was hired as an operator in the phosphate department. He claims he was told his role was crucial for environmental protection, but in reality, he was tasked with handling dangerous acids and malfunctions, risking his life to allegedly cover up systematic pollution and negligence. Following the "Nahal Ashalim" disaster, where acidic wastewater leaked from the Rotem Amfert plant, the employee felt a special responsibility to prevent further incidents.

According to the lawsuit, supervisors encouraged him to enter hazardous areas, calling him an "environmental protector." He alleges he was forced to "wallow in pools of dangerous acids" to fix malfunctions caused by systematic procedural violations and the transport of wet gypsum. The suit details several hazardous material leaks, including a reactor rupture in February 2019 that spilled an estimated 600 cubic meters of acid, though authorities were reportedly told only 40 cubic meters leaked. Another incident in August 2021, dubbed "Nahal Ashalim 2," involved an acid leak that crossed the plant's fence and flowed towards the main road.

Rotem Amfert denies all allegations, stating in its defense that the employee's claims are fictitious and an attempt to turn routine incidents at a chemical plant into grounds for a lawsuit. The company insists that any leaks are handled immediately according to strict procedures and regulatory requirements, and that external leaks are reported to authorities. The employee's lawyer, Yarden Fisher, stated that the lawsuit proves intentional and systematic wastewater pollution and internal cover-up procedures, causing immense damage to the environment. He added that his client faced harassment and life-threatening missions after reporting environmental hazards and that senior employees are expected to testify next month about an unreported natural disaster.

Rotem Amfert claims the employee approached the company with demands for money before filing the suit, threatening to damage its reputation if his demands were not met. The company views the lawsuit as an improper attempt to extort money through threats of defamation. They maintain that the employee's claims include fabricated events and misrepresentations, and that they have submitted a detailed defense with evidence, confident their claims will be accepted. Rotem Amfert asserts it operates in full compliance with the law, adhering to strict safety and environmental regulations and maintaining transparency with authorities.