Histadrut Chairman Arnon Bar-David, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and President of the Business Sector Presidency Dubi Amitai met today to discuss the current state of the Israeli economy during wartime and the steps that will be taken to support the economy and workers, as well as to maximize the continuity of the economy during the war. The three agreed to hold a follow-up meeting in order to enhance coordination.
In addition, the Histadrut chairman and the Ministry of Finance's Wage Commissioner, Effie Malkin, sent a joint letter to all public sector employees, in which they provided updates on the ongoing discussions regarding the implications of the security situation for workers, and on the steps being taken to maintain functional continuity.
“We are holding discussions regarding the implications of the campaign on workers, as well as efforts to maintain the functional continuity of the public sector, subject to the restrictions of the Home Front Command,” Bar-David and Malkin wrote. “The entire public sector—including the health, education, security, welfare, infrastructure, and local government systems, and others—is an integral part of managing the campaign.”
The two also noted that discussions are ongoing regarding the compensation framework for employees who are unable to reach their workplaces due to restrictions, with a focus on addressing the needs of evacuated workers and on attendance at work in accordance with directives.
“We thank you for the unprecedented mobilization you are demonstrating in your workplaces, while supporting the security forces and providing essential services to all citizens of Israel—even in times of emergency,” they added. According to them, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is fully involved in these efforts and expresses deep appreciation for the workers.
They called on public sector employees “to continue operating workplaces to the greatest extent possible, and in accordance with Home Front Command restrictions—in offices and workplaces, along with expanded possibilities for remote work.”
“With shared responsibility and a spirit of mutual solidarity, we support and encourage your commitment to performing alternative roles required at this time, in order to strengthen critical systems on the home front and ensure the functional continuity of the public sector,” they wrote.
Today’s meeting followed a letter Bar-David sent to Smotrich yesterday requesting that a framework for supporting the economy and the workers be established as soon as possible. He called for the establishment of a “permanent, swift, and transparent mechanism that will ensure proper compensation for employees who cannot reach their workplaces due to an emergency situation.”
He added that security for workers is not only an economic issue, but a fundamental requirement for a stable and functioning society. “The Histadrut under my leadership will continue to act to protect workers and their rights, out of national responsibility and concern for the good of the entire economy,” he said.
In previous military operations, payment to employees who were absent from work in accordance with Home Front Command directives was arranged through collective agreements signed between the Histadrut and employer organizations, which were extended via extension orders.
That mechanism allows for employer compensation for employee wage payments only retroactively, and sometimes with delays of months. The current call by the Histadrut chairman is for the establishment of a mechanism that will also apply to future security crises.
