Freesbee workers in Israel escalate labor dispute, demand first collective agreement

Workers at Freesbee, a major vehicle sales and rental company in Israel, escalated their labor dispute on Wednesday by halting operations at the company’s headquarters in Ram Park. Employees demonstrated at the company gates, calling on management to negotiate and sign a first collective agreement.

The protest was supported by the Transportation Workers’ Union, the Histadrut’s Workers’ Unionization Division, and representatives from regional labor councils in central and southern Israel.

The action follows a series of protest measures taken by workers over the past two weeks as part of an ongoing labor dispute. These measures have included suspending operations at the company’s logistics center, shutting down sales and rental branches nationwide, and staging protests outside the CEO’s residence. According to the workers’ committee, further actions are planned if management continues to avoid meaningful negotiations.

Freesbee employees unionized with the Histadrut in 2023. Since then, worker representatives report that company management has refused to conduct continuous and substantive collective bargaining, as required under Israeli labor law and in line with internationally recognized principles of freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining.

“The workers are united and determined,” said Attorney Nir Eisenberg, Deputy Chair of the Histadrut Transportation Workers’ Union. “Management must understand that dialogue and a fair agreement are the only way forward. We will continue our actions until workers are guaranteed dignified employment conditions and job security.”

Amichai Stinger, CEO of the Histadrut’s Workers’ Unionization Division, emphasized that the struggle reflects a broader issue: “This is a legitimate and determined fight by workers seeking basic collective rights. The Histadrut will continue to stand with the employees until a fair and binding collective agreement is reached.”

Limor Segalovitch, Chair of the Freesbee Workers’ Action Committee, added: “We are no longer invisible. We will not give up until our voices are heard and a collective agreement is signed. The solidarity shown by our fellow workers strengthens us and reinforces our resolve.”