Nakash Brothers Sign Deal to Sell Control of Arkia Amid Labor Dispute

The Nakash brothers, owners of the Israeli airline Arkia, have signed an agreement to transfer control of the company to a group of investors. The deal was announced on Thursday, just hours after the Histadrut labor federation declared a labor dispute with the airline.

The purchasing group includes businessmen Einav Adib-Berrer, Kidan Dahari, Yaron Adib, and Yariv Lerner, who are expected to take over the airline's management.

The timing of the announcement is particularly sensitive, as the Histadrut's Transport Workers Union declared a labor dispute earlier on Thursday. The union claims the owners are pushing an efficiency plan that includes staff reductions without consulting employee representatives. Workers also raised concerns about the cancellation of flight routes and fear the company could face insolvency.

Furthermore, the Histadrut alleged that the owners have delayed a potentially beneficial sale of the company for unclear reasons. "If the Nakash brothers no longer wish to hold Arkia, it is time to complete the sale of the company and transfer it to owners who believe in its future," stated Adv. Nir Eisenberg, Deputy Chairman of the Transport Workers Union. He criticized the actions of Avi Khormro, representing the owners, warning against the potential harm to employees, stating, "It is unacceptable that the moves led by Avi Khormro, on behalf of the controlling owners, will leave hundreds of employees and their families in ongoing uncertainty. Arkia employees are not a tool in negotiations and are not a bargaining chip."

Eisenberg emphasized the union's commitment to protecting the workers, adding, "Hundreds of employees, families, and an entire passenger public stand behind the company. The Histadrut will not allow Arkia employees to be held hostage in ownership struggles."