Rats on the dock and unmaintained cranes: labor dispute at Haifa Port

A labor dispute has been declared at Haifa Port. Workers claim a decline in workload, worsening conditions, poor sanitation including a worker bitten by a rat, unmaintained cranes, and safety hazards. Management, the Adani-Gadot partnership, allegedly denies the need for dialogue.

A labor dispute was declared today (Wednesday) at Haifa Port, against the backdrop of workers' claims of a significant deterioration in working conditions since the entry of the new operator, the Adani-Gadot partnership, in 2023. In a letter sent by the Transport and Maritime Workers' Union of the Histadrut, it was alleged that the volume of work at the port has decreased significantly, and that management is acting to cut costs at the expense of workers, including by reducing the activity of security and cleaning contractors. Workers report poor sanitation conditions, including a worker bitten by a rat on the dock, broken sewer covers, and dusty docks. Furthermore, it is alleged that there has been a compromise of workplace safety due to cranes that are not properly maintained and are covered in rust, travel lanes with potholes and cracks, defective driver seats, overheating of forklifts, and disconnected and exposed electrical connections. Management unilaterally changed the entry and exit times to the port, and additionally, it is alleged that the company refuses to discuss the disputes despite numerous inquiries. The company's 700 employees claim a worsening of conditions.