News 13 Staff Criticize Union Silence Amid Layoffs and Health Editor's Departure

Amid a planned wave of layoffs and the recent departure of veteran health editor Hila Elroy, employees at Israel's News 13 are expressing sharp criticism against their workers' committee. According to culture reporter Gil Mashali from Mako, internal WhatsApp groups reveal growing frustration as staff question the union's sudden silence. Previously, the committee led aggressive media campaigns against management and ownership, but now it remains quiet despite the difficult circumstances.

Employees recall that in past conflicts the union would threaten blackouts and send angry emails to senior executives. Now, they say, there is only silence, and they feel that Elroy and those laid off are being neglected. Some staff members accuse the committee of hypocrisy, noting that it once actively gathered signatures against journalist Yulia Smalov-Berkovitch but is now inactive when it matters most.

This internal turmoil highlights tensions within News 13 as it navigates organizational changes and staff reductions, with workers demanding more vocal representation from their elected union leaders.