Histadrut demands full pay for workers who heeded emergency directives

Israeli society remains on high alert amid the ongoing Iran-Israel hostilities, forcing most workers to stay home as missile attacks and security alerts disrupt daily life. Since June 13, Israel has faced relentless bombardment, prompting widespread closures of workplaces and schools to protect civilians. In this national emergency, the Histadrut is mobilizing to support Israel’s workforce—providing financial aid, advocating for fair compensation, and standing shoulder to shoulder with workers navigating these unprecedented challenges.

National emergency and civilian impact

Since Friday, June 13, Israel has been under sustained attack, with approximately 1,600 missiles and UAVs launched toward civilian areas from Iran. The results are horrific: around 26 civilians lost their lives, over 2,700 were injured, and an estimated 10,630 individuals are left homeless and internally displaced due to direct strikes on residential buildings.

Labour relations and work adaptation amid crisis

In response to the significant threat of Iranian attacks and the constant alerts, the Home Front Command mandated the closure of all non-essential workplaces and educational institutions across the country. The mandate, which was eased for less than three days, is now again forcing millions to remain in protected areas and away from work. As a result of the emergency measures, many employees transitioned to remote work where possible, juggling their professional responsibilities with caregiving as schools remain closed. Essential workers, however, are required to report to duty, often placing themselves in harm’s way to maintain critical services such as health services, rescue services, and more.

On-the-ground support and the human cost

The recent attacks have taken a devastating toll on working people, with fatalities and destruction directly impacting employees at their workplaces and in their homes. Histadrut Chairman Arnon Bar-David personally visited affected sites last week, including the Bazan complex in Haifa and the city of Tamra, to witness the damage, meet with workers and bereaved families, and express the union’s full support. “We came to stand with the families in their hardest moments,” said Bar-David. “The pain is shared by all of us, and our duty is not only to protect workers’ safety—but to be there for them and their loved ones when they need us most.” It is a harsh reality many workers face: risking their lives simply by reporting for duty. They are relying on the solidarity and backing of the labor movement in times of crisis, and the Histadrut is working on all fronts to support them.

Histadrut emergency support measures

Given the severe humanitarian toll, the Histadrut has launched an immediate aid initiative to support affected workers. Every union member who has lost their home due to missile strikes will receive a 7,000-shekel emergency grant to purchase essential provisions and regain basic stability.

Advocating for fair compensation and national responsibility

As part of its ongoing commitment to protecting workers, the Histadrut firmly advocates to ensure that no employee bears the financial burden of following national emergency directives. In an official letter sent Thursday to the Minister of Finance and Chair of the Knesset Finance Committee, Chairman Arnon Bar-David declared the Histadrut’s categorical opposition to any compensation framework that would reduce wages or deduct leave for workers absent due to Home Front Command orders.

“We will not accept any compensation plan that results in reduced wages for workers who complied with Home Front Command orders.”

He called for a mandatory wage compensation mechanism and specific protections for those whose homes or workplaces were damaged or stranded abroad due to airspace closures. Bar-David also warned that failing to provide a fair and comprehensive compensation plan could lead to a severe crisis of public trust, as workers may feel forced to endanger themselves to support their families.

In times of national crisis, the strength of a society is measured not only by its defense capabilities but by its solidarity with those who keep it running. The Histadrut remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that no worker is left behind—economically, emotionally, or physically.