Histadrut urges finance minister to establish immediate compensation framework for workers and employers following Iran strike

In an official letter sent to Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich, Histadrut Chairman Arnon Bar-David called for the urgent creation of a national emergency mechanism to support workers and employers impacted by the ongoing security situation and the preemptive Israeli strike on Iran launched on June 12.

According to Bar-David, millions of workers were unable to report to work today (Sunday) due to strict directives from the Home Front Command, the closure of educational institutions, direct damage to civilian areas, and widespread uncertainty in the labor market. This has led to a significant strain on the Israeli economy and exposed the lack of a structured economic safety net for times of emergency.

“A permanent, swift, and transparent emergency model must be established,” wrote Bar-David. “One that guarantees immediate wage payments to workers and fair compensation to employers, without bureaucracy, delays, or complex approval processes.” The proposed model would be based on accessibility, simplicity, and certainty, and would reinforce trust between employees, employers, and the state. “Wage security isn’t just an economic issue, it’s a foundational demand for a functioning and stable society,” he added.

Bar-David requested an urgent meeting with the Minister of Finance and representatives of employer organizations to formulate an agreed-upon compensation plan. “The Histadrut, under my leadership, will continue to act responsibly, defend workers’ rights, and promote the best interests of the Israeli economy as a whole.”