Shielding the mind: Why we are launching the first new union in a decade

The mental health crisis facing our society has reached unprecedented levels. As the pressures on our public health infrastructure intensify, the need for robust, specialized, and resilient psychological services has never been more urgent. In response to this critical reality, the Histadrut is taking a historic step forward. We are establishing a new union, the Union of Psychologists; the first entirely new trade union to be formed within our federation in over a decade. Approved by our Coordinating and Executive Committee, this dedicated framework will independently represent and defend the professional, economic, and occupational interests of nearly 4,000 public sector psychologists.

Valuing the profession, reforming the system

For too long, public sector psychology was left on the margins of broader collective bargaining, failing to receive the structural recognition it truly deserved. This new union is the direct evolution of the March 2025 collective agreement the Histadrut hard-fought and secured. That agreement was not a minor adjustment; it completely restructured wage scales, elevated professional grading, and formally defined critical career pathways for team leaders and managers.

Public psychologists operate on the frontlines of community resilience, yet the public system constantly risks losing talent to the private sector due to burnout and historic underfunding. Our mission is to create a protective envelope around these vital workers. By building an independent union led by professionals from within the field, with Dr. Yuval Hirsch stepping in as acting chairman, we ensure that those who care for our collective well-being finally have an unyielding voice of their own.

“This is a massive and vital sector that requires the absolute best professional hand to create the right support system—one that had barely been touched for decades. We brought more funding, refined the structures, and upgraded the pay scales to create a framework that truly respects this crucial profession.”

Statement by Histadrut Chairman, Arnon Bar-David, during the committee meeting.

A public imperative in times of crisis

The demand for mental health support has skyrocketed in the last three years, driven by the compounding traumas, extensive military reserve service, and widespread societal stress. Yet, a system is only as strong as the workers who uphold it. The Union of Psychologists will aggressively tackle the double challenge of skyrocketing patient demand and severe public sector staff shortages. The union will focus their efforts on expanding public positions, shortening waiting lists, enhancing training and specialization pathways, and combating the systemic burnout and secondary trauma that plagues care providers. A robust public psychology sector ensures that mental healthcare is a right accessible to all, not a luxury reserved only for those who can afford private fees.

Histadrut Chairman Arnon Bar-David said that the Histadrut and the new union will work towards extended budget for this public service. “This is the moment, this is the hour, and the decisions we are advancing here extend a warm embrace to all psychologists, opening the right channel for them right here in our home.”

True social justice cannot exist without a well-supported healthcare workforce, and mental health must be recognized as a fundamental component of occupational health and safety. The Histadrut stands firmly committed to championing this labor priority, by empowering our psychologists with a dedicated union. We will continue to advocate for the funding, safety, and dignity of healthcare workers, ensuring that the psychological well-being of our working class remains protected by a resilient, well-compensated, and deeply respected profession.

This article is based on information from this Davar article.