The Histadrut and the Fire and Rescue Workers’ Organization last week, after 14 years of negotiations, reached an agreement in principle with the Finance Ministry’s wage commissioner, the Ministry of National Security, and the management of the Fire and Rescue Authority ahead of signing a new collective agreement. The memorandum of understandings was signed at the office of the Histadrut chair. The agreement will amount to approximately NIS 650 million over five years.
Histadrut Chair Arnon Bar-David said: “After a long period of negotiations, and during a challenging security period, I can announce to the firefighters across the entire system, who carry out their work with great courage every single day, the signing of a memorandum of understandings for an agreement that will improve the wages, working conditions, and retirement terms of firefighters in Israel. This will be appropriate compensation for those who risk their lives for us.”
Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s Minister of National Security, said: “I welcome the historic wage agreement for firefighters and Fire and Rescue Authority employees, which reflects genuine appreciation for the firefighters who work day and night for the safety of Israel’s citizens. This is an important step toward strengthening the system, improving the conditions of those who serve in it, and honoring the firefighters who risk themselves every day to save lives. We will continue to act on behalf of those who are always on the front lines.”
Fire and Rescue Commissioner Eyal Caspi said: “Today we mark a historic moment for the Fire and Rescue Authority. After around a decade without a wage agreement, the principles of an agreement have been signed that constitute significant news for the firefighters, and for the Authority’s employees — people who act with dedication, courage, and a sense of mission for the safety of the citizens of the State of Israel at every hour and in every arena. I thank the Minister of National Security, the Histadrut chair, the chief of staff of the Ministry of National Security, the chair of the workers’ organization, and all the partners who took part in formulating the agreement and leading the process.”
Kobi Dadon, chair of the Fire and Rescue Workers’ Committee, said: “After negotiations that lasted many years, we reached joint understandings under the leadership of Histadrut Chair Arnon Bar-David and in cooperation with the Minister of National Security and the ministry’s chief of staff. We will continue to work until the agreement is signed.”
