Tax Authority Workers Demand Police Escort and Risk Pay Before Returning to Bnei Brak

Following a recent meeting between Tax Authority Director Shay Aharonovich and Bnei Brak Mayor Hanokh Zeibert, plans to resume tax services in Bnei Brak have stalled due to worker opposition. The Tax Authority employees' union refuses to allow staff to return without strict security measures, citing recent violent incidents against tax officials in the city. The union's demands include police escort, advanced protective equipment, legal action against attackers, specialized insurance, and additional risk pay.

Ophir Elkaly, chairman of the State Employees Union, sent a stern letter to Aharonovich, copied to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and union chairman Arnon Bar-David, expressing deep shock over the violence and warning of potential strikes if security conditions are not met. The letter outlines five key conditions for resuming work: coordinated police escort, technological security tools, rigorous prosecution of offenders, dedicated insurance policies for high-risk roles, and negotiations for risk-related salary supplements.

The Tax Authority stated it is working closely with the State Employees Union and local police to ensure a safe return for workers. A recent meeting with Bnei Brak police resulted in agreements aimed at safeguarding employees while maintaining public service. However, the union remains firm that no return will occur without full implementation of the security demands, highlighting the ongoing tension between operational needs and worker safety in the city.