A historic cooperation agreement was signed with Poland’s OPZZ

We have officially signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding with the All-Poland Alliance of Trade Unions (OPZZ), one of Poland’s largest and most influential labour organisations. The agreement, signed in Warsaw, establishes a long-term framework to deepen ties between Israeli and Polish workers, strengthen organised labour, and champion democratic values within the global workforce.

This strategic partnership focuses heavily on fostering robust social dialogue, expanding vocational training, and exchanging vital trade union expertise. As labour markets confront unprecedented digital and technological shifts, our collaboration will prioritise protecting migrant workers, promoting workplace equality, and actively combating discrimination and xenophobia. Additionally, the MoU honours our shared history by preserving the cultural heritage that connects Jewish and Polish workers.

Standing united against shared challenges

The challenges workers face never stop at national borders. By joining forces, we are amplifying our collective bargaining power. During the signing ceremony, Gershon Gelman, Chairman of our International Relations Division, captured the essence of this alliance:

“Signing this agreement is a significant step in strengthening ties between labour organizations in Israel and Poland. At a time when workers worldwide face shared challenges, it is crucial to expand international cooperation, share knowledge and experience, and stand together for workers’ rights, social justice, and democracy.”

OPZZ President Piotr Ostrowski, who previously participated in the Eilat Labour Conference, echoed this sentiment, emphasising our mutual commitment to workers’ rights and to synergy within the global labour movement.

The Histadrut’s delegation, which also included Peter Lerner, Director General of our International Relations Division, visited Poland and featured a significant meeting with Sławomir Broniarz, President of the Polish Teachers’ Union (ZNP), alongside diplomatic talks with former Polish President Aleksander Kwaśniewski at the “Amicus Europae” Foundation.