Strike at Rafa Pharmaceutical Laboratories: 'Our rights have diminished, they offered a paltry bonus'
Employees of the pharmaceutical company Rafa Pharmaceutical Laboratories launched a strike today due to a deadlock in negotiations with management. The workers demand adequate financial compensation and stock options following the company's recent IPO on the stock exchange. The Histadrut labor federation supports the strike, and the workers claim their rights have eroded since the company was acquired by the Fimi fund.
Employees of the pharmaceutical company Rafa Pharmaceutical Laboratories launched a strike today (Monday, August 3, 2026) following a deadlock in negotiations with the company's management. At the heart of the dispute is the workers' demand for adequate financial compensation and the option to purchase company shares, after the company was recently listed on the stock exchange and became a public company. According to the workers, since the company was acquired by the Fimi fund in 2020, their rights and working conditions have eroded, and they are required to perform the duties of departed employees and work extensive overtime. The workers' committee stated that the company offered only a "paltry bonus" with no relation to seniority or contribution. Danny Bonfil, chairman of the Histadrut's Jerusalem region, expressed support for the strike, and David Mor Yosef, head of the Industry Division, said the offer was "insulting" and that the workers unanimously decided to shut down the company. The union secretary, attorney Galit Adika, noted that the offer was insulting and that the workers deserve an adequate bonus and options. The strike is planned to continue tomorrow if no change occurs. Negotiations are conducted on behalf of about 200 workers in various roles.