Haifa Port Labor Dispute Declared Over Safety, Contract Worker Issues

The Histadrut labor union declared a labor dispute at the Haifa Port Company, operated by the Adani-Gedot group, citing unilateral management actions, deteriorating working conditions, and serious safety violations. The dispute stems from a significant decline in port activity, which the Histadrut claims has led management to cut costs by unilaterally altering work conditions and outsourcing tasks to contract workers. The union alleges that contract workers are performing regular duties of transport workers, including vehicle transfers and unloading from ships. Further complaints include inadequate maintenance and safety issues with cranes and operational equipment, poor road conditions, insufficient lighting, damaged equipment, and substandard sanitation on the docks. The Histadrut also reported incidents of a worker being bitten by a rat and another being hit by a falling air conditioner. Management has also allegedly changed gate operating hours and is infringing on retirement agreements and the rights of organized workers. The Histadrut stated that repeated attempts to resolve these issues with management and Adani executives have failed. The declaration of a labor dispute could lead to organizational actions at the port, a key maritime gateway in northern Israel. This dispute arises at a sensitive time for the port's owners, as the Indian Adani Group and Israel's Gedot are awaiting a decision regarding dividend approval, which reportedly contradicts the terms agreed upon in the 2023 tender.