Walla News Reaches Agreement on New Layoffs After Months of Labor Dispute

After months of labor tensions, Walla News management and employee representatives have agreed on a new round of staff reductions. The agreement, reached on Wednesday evening, follows recent meetings and a workers' assembly where alternatives were considered. According to the workers' committee, up to seven employees will be laid off, while two others will be reassigned to different roles without any loss in salary or benefits. Those laid off will receive an additional two-week notice period beyond legal requirements, with pay for that time even if released from work duties.

The agreement also includes a commitment that no further layoffs among journalists will occur in the next seven months. Walla's management reaffirmed its dedication to adhering to the company’s ethical code. The restructuring will leave Walla with a general news desk, while most section editors, including those in fashion and technology, are expected to be let go. Some editors in culture and celebrity news are likely to remain, and reporters will continue their work as usual.

The statement from the workers' committee mentioned editor Ilail Shahar Liss with wishes for success but did not mention editor-in-chief Or Tzalkovnik, although they are expected to work closely together. The recent period has been marked by significant uncertainty among Walla staff due to management actions such as widespread forced leaves and doubling daily content targets.

Previously, journalist Meital Kaufman was awarded 53,000 shekels in compensation after a court ruled her dismissal was in bad faith, citing unrealistic traffic targets set after the war. Walla responded by stating that management is doing everything for the benefit of the company and its employees.