Histadrut Revives International Trade Union Seminar, Welcoming Latin American Labor Leaders to Israel

A delegation of 16 trade union representatives from across Latin America convened at Histadrut headquarters to forge cross-border solidarity and address the evolving future of work.

The Histadrut welcomed 16 trade union leaders representing Mexico, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Costa Rica for a landmark international leadership seminar. Held at the International Institute of Leadership at Beit Berl, the program marks the revitalization of our historic tradition of global trade union education and international labor cooperation.

Addressing the delegation in the Histadrut leadership chamber, Histadrut Chairman Arnon Bar-David underscored the common foundation binding workers across borders:

“Despite the geographic distance between us, we are all partners in the same mission: to ensure a fairer world of work, to protect workers’ rights, to strengthen democracy, and to build a better future.”

Deepening Bilateral Ties and Experiencing Israeli Labor Realities

The seminar curriculum immerses the visiting leaders in Israeli industrial relations, collective bargaining frameworks, and our unique model of social dialogue. Sessions focus on union organizing, workplace democracy, and building shared society among diverse communities. Participants are also visiting the Gaza border communities affected by the October 7 attacks to witness firsthand the socioeconomic resilience required during national crises.

Chairman Bar-David emphasized the strength of the Histadrut’s broad, inclusive coalition, which represents nearly one million workers across religious, secular, Arab, and immigrant demographics. While many trade union movements face declining membership, the Histadrut continues to expand—particularly among young workers—bolstered by achievements such as minimum wage increases, universal pension protections, shortened workweeks, and comprehensive consumer welfare programs designed to curb the cost of living.

Navigating Digital Transformation and the Future of Work

A central focus of the seminar centers on the profound shifts reshaping modern workplaces, including artificial intelligence, platform work, and digital transition. Bar-David stressed that unions cannot remain passive observers to technological disruption:

“The great challenge of our generation is not to stop change, but to shape it. We believe technology must serve humanity, not humanity serve technology. Innovation is vital, but it must be accompanied by social responsibility.”

The discussions underscore the urgent necessity of worker reskilling, continuous professional training, and proactive bargaining to ensure automation does not erode decent work or job security.

Peter Lerner, Director-General of the Histadrut’s International Division, welcomed the seminar participants:

: “For us, this seminar is about restoring past glory. The Histadrut has a long-standing tradition of holding international trade union seminars. Under the guidance of the Histadrut Chairman, we have recently revived this heritage based on the understanding that we have both much to learn and much to teach regarding global developments. We have built a program for you that includes a bit of everything about Israel, the Histadrut, and organized labor in Israel.”

Gershon Gelman, Chairman of the Histadrut’s International Division, presented the guests with a photograph from the first Histadrut conference, which hangs on the wall of the Histadrut leadership room.

“Next month, the Histadrut will celebrate 106 years since its founding. Over the years, we have had the privilege of hosting many leaders of organized labor and trade unions from Latin American countries who came here for Histadrut seminars.”

The contemporary challenges confronting workers, from economic polarization to rapid technological shifts, transcend national boundaries. A just and inclusive future requires international solidarity, where democratic trade unions collaboratively advocate for fair wages, social protection floors, and collective bargaining rights.

As we approach 106 years of organized labor in Israel, the Histadrut reaffirms its commitment to standing alongside our international partners. Through shared learning, capacity building, and cross-border cooperation, we will continue ensuring that the voices of working people remain central in shaping an equitable global economy.

The initiative originated following meetings between Histadrut officials and Latin American union representatives at the International Labour Organization (ILO) conference, which is also a partner in the endeavor. The seminar is led by Adi Marcus from the Histadrut’s International Relations Division and Sergio Gryn from the International Leadership Institute.

Adapted from Davar.