Israeli Nurses Announce Potential Nationwide Strike Over Staffing Crisis

Approximately 60,000 nurses and nursing assistants across Israel may initiate a strike in about two weeks following the Nurses and Nursing Assistants Union's declaration of a labor dispute. The union cites a severe shortage of medical staff, overwhelming workloads, and ongoing burnout among nursing teams as factors harming both working conditions and patient care quality.

Saul Skiff, chair of the Nurses and Nursing Assistants Union, emphasized that nurses are on the front lines of healthcare, working tirelessly despite chronic understaffing and unbearable pressures. He stated, "Our struggle is primarily for the patients and the future of the healthcare system."

The union is urging the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance to immediately engage in negotiations to strengthen nursing staff, increase positions, and improve working conditions. Without progress in talks soon, the union warns that organizational actions, including strikes, could disrupt hospitals, health maintenance organizations, and healthcare institutions nationwide.