Minister Michaeli’s announcement this morning (Wednesday) of the opening of 3 new docks, one in Ashdod and the other two in the port of Haifa, and their delivery to private seaports – was not well received by the Histadrut, which claims unilateral conduct contrary to understandings between the parties. The financial status of existing ports: “Port workers and their status cannot be harmed”
Following the announcement by the Minister of Transportation, Merav Michaeli, this morning (Wednesday) that she is transferring the empty docks to the new ports in Ashdod and Haifa, in the afternoon the Histadrut announced a labor dispute in the seaport and maritime transport companies.
The decision includes the Port of Ashdod, the Israel Ports Company, the Port of Haifa, the Haifa Maritime Transport Company and the Ashdod Maritime Transport Company. In total, there are about 2,600 employees.
The Histadrut claims unilateral conduct in handing over the additional docks to the new private port, contrary to seemingly long-standing understandings between the parties that formed the basis of the reform agreements.
Also among the causes of the conflict as stated: “Uncontrolled opening of the maritime cargo market to competition while ignoring workers’ representatives, threat to the financial strength of existing ports as a result of uncontrolled opening of the market to competition and its serious consequences for workers and unilateral conduct, in bad faith, And while violating basic foundations of the employment relationship. “
“This unilateral move is doubly serious since it was made during a 60-day negotiation period that began last Sunday,” the Histadrut said, “in accordance with the decision of the National Labor Court in a legal proceeding that follows a previous declaration of a labor dispute at seaport companies.” .
The chairman of the Histadrut, Arnon Bar-David: Unfortunately, following the unilateral conduct of the Ministry of Transportation and its head, we had to declare a labor dispute today. We will continue to maintain the employment security of workers in Israel. “
Chairman of the Histadrut’s Transport Workers’ Union, Avi Edri: “Following the Minister of Transportation’s irresponsible announcement, the Histadrut will assume responsibility, protect and protect the port workers – while revealing excessive responsibility to the economy.”