Histadrut Chairman Arnon Bar-David and the Minister of Industry and Trade, Orna Barbivai, called on employers last week to allow work from home in workplaces where it is possible to do so.
“We call on all employers in the economy to allow those who can to move to work at home,” they said in a joint statement.
The call comes against the backdrop of the accelerated spread of the current wave of COVID-19. Barbivai and Bar-David called on employers to allow all of their workers who can work from home to do so, while adhering to the rules and guidelines.
As for the public sector, if regulations are implemented, they will be in accordance with the agreement signed with the state and employers, both regarding isolation requirements and remote work practices.
Bar-David: “This is a time when we must all show responsibility and creativity in the face of the severe wave that is plaguing us. I call on employers to look after their own health and the health of their workers, and not to wait for a formal decision. Anyone who can allow work from home, act accordingly.
“I welcome the government’s intention to build compensation plans, and the sooner they are implemented, the better. The plan should examine all the industries affected by the situation, and not let any citizen be in the same place of uncertainty as they were in previous waves.”
Minister Barbivai: “The government is leading an economic policy alongside coronavirus’ [rise] with the intention to cause as little damage as possible to businesses and workers who constitute a major growth engine in the economy. We are aware of the difficulties that arise as a result of the current wave and will examine the necessary assistance mechanisms together with the Ministry of Finance, based on models that we have used in the past.
“A general permit will be granted for overtime employment in essential workplaces in cases where 20% of workers are in isolation. The purpose of the move is to ensure a minimum impairment of the ability to function and provide necessary services and products to citizens and the economy.”
This article was translated from Hebrew by Benji Sharp.
