Histadrut secures major legal victory: National Labor Court upholds union representation at Nokia Israel

The Histadrut today celebrated a major legal victory as the National Labor Court ruled in favor of the organization, confirming its status as the exclusive representative body for employees at Nokia Solutions and Networks Israel Ltd.

In its unanimous ruling, the court rejected attempts to undermine the Histadrut’s legitimacy by a rival internal group, reaffirming that the Histadrut meets the full legal criteria to be recognized as an official labor union under Israeli labor law. The court emphasized the importance of safeguarding the right to unionize through structured, democratic, and accountable representation.

Adv. Hanna Shnitser-Rahav, Chief Legal Counsel of the Histadrut’s Trade Union Division, welcomed the decision: “The firm ruling of the National Labor Court strengthens the Histadrut. The court reinforced and clarified the legal definition of a ‘labor union’ and ruled that the criteria for recognition must not be relaxed. This decision safeguards workers’ rights and fortifies the legitimacy of organizing within established trade unions.”

The court also clarified that competing associations formed with managerial support or under unclear procedures cannot replace an officially recognized union, reinforcing the exclusive status of the Histadrut in ongoing negotiations at Nokia Israel.

Yaki Halutzi, Chair of the Cellular, Internet, and Hi-Tech Workers Union within the Histadrut, praised the ruling’s implications for workplace solidarity: “This is a meaningful day for the workers of Nokia. The National Labor Court has spoken clearly. The Histadrut will now move forward in good faith to represent all employees and work toward a collective agreement. I call on all workers to unite — for their own future and for the strength of the Israeli site.”

The Histadrut emphasized that it will immediately resume negotiations with Nokia management, with the goal of ensuring improved conditions, job security, and fair representation for all employees.

Peter Lerner, Director General of International Relations at the Histadrut, added: “Today’s ruling is a victory for democratic representation in the workplace. It reaffirms the workers’ right to organize under a national framework that protects their interests. It also sends a strong message to all employers — that union-busting tactics have no place in Israeli society.”