Israeli Labor Court Rejects Alon Hassan's Appeal Against Ashdod Port and Labor Union
The Israeli National Labor Court has dismissed Alon Hassan's appeal against Ashdod Port and the Histadrut labor union regarding his dismissal 11 years ago. Hassan had challenged a December 2025 ruling by the Beersheba Regional Labor Court, which ordered him to pay 15,000 shekels each to Ashdod Port and the Histadrut for legal fees. The National Labor Court upheld this decision and added an additional 7,500 shekels to each party for court expenses. The court found no reason to overturn the detailed and reasoned lower court ruling.
Hassan had sought over 4 million shekels in compensation, claiming his suspension and dismissal were unlawful and discriminatory, resulting in financial damages including lost wages and pension harm. The Beersheba court rejected these claims, ruling that the suspension and dismissal were lawful. Hassan also accused the Histadrut of failing to protect him, a claim the courts dismissed.
Alon Hassan was a prominent and controversial figure at Ashdod Port, serving as chairman of the workers' committee for many years. His tenure was marked by significant influence, sometimes extending beyond labor issues into operational decisions. Criminal investigations led to his 2019 conviction for fraud and breach of trust, resulting in a prison sentence converted to community service. Following the 2014 suspension amid criminal allegations, Ashdod Port retroactively terminated him in 2021 and demanded repayment of funds received during suspension.
Hassan's legal battle against the port and the Histadrut has been lengthy and contentious. His attorney, Amir Georgi, expressed disappointment at the National Labor Court's decision, noting the lack of reasoning in the ruling and indicating they are considering further steps to protect workers' rights in the future. The port was represented by attorney Yaakov Melishkevitz, and the Histadrut by attorney Moriah Glick.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between labor leadership, management, and union representation in Israel's major ports, with significant legal and financial implications for all parties involved.
