Histadrut: 'We will not hesitate to declare a labor dispute at Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofeh)'
The Histadrut and the workers' representatives of the health corporation at Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofeh) threaten to declare a labor dispute if management does not return to negotiations. The workers, employed side by side with state employees, demand equal pay and benefits. The organization warns of disruptions in the corporation's operations, including the hyperbaric chamber, ambulatory surgeries, and imaging institutes, if no settlement is reached.
The Histadrut and the workers' representatives of the health corporation at Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofeh) warned this morning (Tuesday) that if the corporation's and medical center's management do not return to the negotiating table, an official labor dispute will be declared, leading to organizational measures and widespread disruptions. The step comes after a prolonged period of attempts to reach understandings on employment conditions, rights, and job security for hundreds of corporation workers, which were met with disregard and contempt from management. The workers are employed side by side with state employees, performing identical work, but receive significantly lower pay and benefits. If a labor dispute is declared, disruptions are expected in the operation of the hyperbaric chamber, ambulatory surgeries, the imaging institute, dental and eye clinics, the allergy institute, clinical pharmacology, and the clinical research system. Adv. Uri Fleishman, Deputy Chairman of the Trade Union Division, said that the Histadrut will not allow the perpetuation of a distorted reality and will use tools according to law, including declaring a labor dispute and shutting down the corporation's operations. David Reuven, Chairman of the Rishon LeZion district, called on management to equalize conditions, and Avital Leshem, Chairman of the Action Committee, said that the workers have reached the end of their patience.