Histadrut Opposes Arkia Sale to Buyer Who Would Halt Sabbath Flights

The Nakash brothers, owners of the Israeli airline Arkia, are currently exploring options to sell the company. Reports indicate that some ultra-Orthodox groups have expressed interest in purchasing Arkia with the intention of stopping its flights on the Sabbath. In response, the Histadrut labor federation, representing Arkia employees organized under the Tot corporation, has demanded that any sale of the airline must include a condition to continue Sabbath operations.

The Histadrut's stance is based on previous reports rather than a specific deal. Nir Eisenberg, deputy chairman of the Histadrut's Transportation Workers Union, stated, "We will not allow the company to become an ideological experiment." He warned that changing the airline's operational model could harm Arkia's business viability, financial stability, and the livelihoods of hundreds of workers.

Tot holds an 18.5% stake in Arkia, while the Nakash brothers own the majority of shares. The potential sale has been under discussion for over a year, with the Nakash family rejecting offers that did not meet the company's valuation. As the controlling owners consider multiple proposals, Tot union members fear that halting Sabbath flights would eliminate a stable and significant revenue source for Arkia.