Following the intention to establish a Wizz Air base of operations in Israel: The Histadrut announced today (Wednesday) a labor dispute in the aviation industry, since, according to its claim, the move "constitutes a direct harm to employment security and the stability of the entire industry.".
The dispute will affect more than 11,000 employees at the airlines El Al, Arkia, Israir and Air Haifa, as well as the Airports Authority, which operates Ben Gurion, Ramon and Haifa airports.
According to the Histadrut statement, among the reasons for the dispute is the demand to conduct collective bargaining regarding the implications of opening the Wizz Air base. This demand refers to the impact on working conditions, wages, and employee rights, while ensuring the employees' job security.
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In addition, according to the Histadrut, there is a need to regulate the effects of opening the base on the financial strength of the airlines and the Airports Authority, and it is necessary to regulate the implications of the move on the ground operations system at the airport.
Transportation Minister Miri Regev responded: "The declaration of a labor dispute is an attack on Israeli citizens in order to prevent the reduction of exorbitant prices. During Corona, the state rescued the airlines with billions of dollars in aid. Now it's our turn to be there for the public.".
Acting Chairman of the Histadrut, Roy Yaakov: "Establishing a base for a foreign operator in Israel without in-depth examination and without addressing the consequences that may result from this will harm not only the employment security of the workers, but also the stability of the industry and the national interests of the State of Israel. The Histadrut will use all the tools at its disposal to stop the harm to the workers and the public interest.".
