Haifa Port Workers Declare Labor Dispute Amid Safety and Condition Concerns

A labor dispute has been declared at Haifa Port, with the Transport and Sea Ports Workers Union citing a significant drop in work volume and subsequent detrimental changes to employee working conditions. The union stated in a letter that the port is attempting to cut costs at the expense of its workers, including reducing the use of security and cleaning contractors. They also allege that proper maintenance of equipment is not being performed, compromising worker safety.

Workers claim the management is hiring contract workers for tasks typically done by port employees. Furthermore, they report that the port's piers are in a poor sanitary state, posing daily risks. Specific incidents mentioned include a worker being bitten by a rat on a pier earlier this month, broken manhole covers creating fall hazards, and dusty piers. The workers also allege a refusal by management to provide separate restrooms for employees.

Beyond sanitation issues, the employees point to compromised work safety due to poorly maintained, rusty cranes, roads with potholes and cracks, faulty driving seats, overheating forklifts, and exposed electrical connections. The management has also unilaterally changed port entry and exit hours, which the workers argue infringes on their rights.

The dispute arises in the context of the port's privatization in 2023, with operations now managed by the Adani-Gadani partnership. Following the takeover, negotiations began for collective agreements, including retirement plans and protections for veteran employees. However, approximately 700 workers now claim their conditions have worsened under the new operator, and that the company refuses to discuss these disputes despite numerous attempts by the union.