Medical Histadrut Announces Labor Dispute Over Salary Structure of Specialist Doctors
Last update: 17.08.2023 | 21:35
Today, the Medical Histadrut (RAI) announced a labor dispute concerning the salary structure of specialist doctors in accordance with the outline of the shortening of shifts. While the announcement allows the Medical Histadrut to strike starting two weeks from now, the RAI has not confirmed if they will proceed with a strike.
The permit to shorten the shifts of interns is scheduled to take effect on September 1, approximately two weeks from now. However, since discussions on the shift reduction began in 2021, the Hari has maintained their position, stating that they will not agree to the shorter shifts if it results in a decrease in wages.
Under the proposed program for shorter shifts, working days with shifts will now begin at 13:00 instead of 8:00 and end at 8:00 the next day, equating to 19 hours of work. To mitigate the impact of reduced working hours on intern salaries, the parties involved agreed that doctors would complete their monthly working hours from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM once a month. However, they have not reached an agreement on the rate of pay for these additional hours.
Another point of contention between the RA and the Ministry of Finance pertains to doctors’ entitlement to a full day of rest after a shift. The Ministry of Finance proposed granting half a day of rest following a 19-hour shift, while the RA insists on maintaining the current practice of a full day of rest.
Dr. Nitzan Atia, the U.R. Organization of interns in the Medical Association, commented, “The plan to shorten the working day is a first and welcome step in reducing the burden on specialist doctors, and we welcome it. However, we cannot allow the salary of specialist doctors, especially those in peripheral hospitals, to be affected. In a time when doctors are considering their future in the Israeli health system, the state should not underestimate these issues and attempt to hinder progress. We urge the Treasury to reconsider its position and allow the plan to be implemented successfully while safeguarding the conditions of specialist doctors.”
The Ministry of Finance has not yet responded publicly to the RA’s announcement or commented on requests for a response from Davar.
This labor dispute raises concerns about the potential impact on healthcare services in Israel if a strike is initiated. Further negotiations are expected to take place in the coming weeks to resolve the disagreement and reach a suitable resolution for all parties involved.