Title: Minister of Construction Urges Extended Working Hours in Response to Manpower Crisis in Construction Industry
Date: [Current Date]
In the face of a severe manpower crisis in the construction industry and the subsequent economic slowdown, the Minister of Construction and Housing, Yitzhak Goldknopf, has reached out to the Minister of Labor, Yoav Ben Zur, to request the implementation of section 15 of the Working Hours Law. This would allow workers in the construction industry to work up to 14 hours a day and 84 hours a week, similar to the transportation industry, during the declaration of a special situation on the home front.
Since the outbreak of the war, the construction industry in the country has faced significant challenges, including a dire shortage of manpower. Alongside the extensive recruitment of reserves, over 80,000 Palestinian workers were abruptly cut off from the industry due to the blockade imposed on the Judea and Samaria region.
The Minister of Construction and Housing emphasized the urgent need to address the acute and unique manpower shortage. By extending working hours, the aim is to minimize the tremendous damage to the economy caused by the slowdown in construction activities. Urging the Minister of Labor to employ his authority in accordance with section 15 of the law, the Minister of Construction and Housing requested consultation with relevant labor and employer organizations before making a decision.
The proposed increase in working hours has raised concerns among experts and workers. On an online comment thread, user “Rafi 11/2023/03” expressed their apprehension, stating, “There is no worker to work 14: day after day more hours low-quality work.” The comment reflects the anxieties surrounding the potential effects of extended working hours on worker well-being and the quality of construction projects.
The decision regarding the extended working hours in the construction industry is yet to be determined by the Minister of Labor. It remains to be seen how this measure will impact the sector and whether it will be effective in mitigating the current manpower crisis.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on the letter sent by the Minister of Construction and Housing and comments from online users. Any future developments regarding this matter will be covered in subsequent articles.