Israeli Nurses Declare Nationwide Labor Dispute Over Working Conditions and Staffing

The Israeli Nurses and Nurses Union announced a comprehensive labor dispute on Thursday affecting approximately 60,000 nursing staff across the country. This action encompasses all nursing sectors within the healthcare system, including hospitals, clinics, medical institutes, maternal and child health centers, and nursing schools. The union cited increasing workloads, physical and mental burnout, and what it described as the state and employers' neglect in improving employment conditions as the main reasons for the dispute.

The union detailed several causes leading to the declaration, focusing on the continuous rise in workload without adequate resources or staffing, resulting in significant physical, mental, and professional strain on nurses. They also accused the state and employers of ignoring demands to improve poor working conditions, including shortages in infrastructure, hospital beds, and professional staff. Additionally, restrictions imposed by the state and employers hinder recruitment efforts for new healthcare workers.

Beyond general workload issues, the union highlighted specific professional concerns, such as replacing the role of the "scrub nurse" in operating rooms with unqualified technical staff. Another point of contention is the unilateral plan to privatize student health services, which the union warns will negatively impact nurses' rights and conditions.

Shaul Skif, chairman of the Israeli Nurses and Nurses Union, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that despite the unprecedented challenges faced by the healthcare system in treating and rehabilitating thousands of war casualties, nurses continue to bear unbearable burdens amid severe staff and infrastructure shortages. He warned that the union will not hesitate to use all available means to protect nurses' rights and ensure the healthcare system can provide professional, safe, and adequate care now and in the future.