Israeli Workers Union Opposes Arkia Sale That Could End Sabbath Flights

The Israeli Transport Workers Union has sent a stern letter to Arkia Airlines' controlling family, the Nakash family, amid ongoing negotiations to sell the company to an American Haredi businessman. The union, represented by Deputy Chairman Nir Eisenberg, expressed serious concerns that the sale could lead to the cessation of flights on Shabbat and Jewish holidays. While acknowledging the legitimacy of Sabbath observance as a worldview, the union argued that halting weekend flights is not a viable business strategy and warned that such a move would weaken rather than strengthen the airline.

The letter also highlighted potential risks to the company’s financial stability, employees’ pension rights, and the job security of hundreds of workers who depend on Arkia. Currently, the airline’s employees hold nearly 20% of the company’s shares, making them a significant stakeholder in any future transaction. The Nakash family has been exploring a sale for several months, considering various Israeli and foreign investors, including a group led by the CEO of Leumit Group earlier this year.

Recent reports indicate advanced talks with the American Haredi businessman, who reportedly intends to change the airline’s operational model by stopping flights on rest days. The Transport Workers Union warned it would not remain passive if the sale harms employees or the company’s viability and pledged to use all legal and public means to protect workers’ rights and the airline’s strength.

The union’s intervention underscores the tension between religious observance and business operations within Israel’s aviation sector, especially regarding Sabbath flights, which have been a contentious issue in the past.