New labour standards in the private power generation sector

Breakthrough in Israel's energy sector: the Histadrut has signed collective agreements across three OPC Energy power plants—delivering annual pay raises of up to 4.5%, boosted pensions, and major bonuses. Discover how this deal sets a new benchmark for worker rights and industrial stability across private power generation.

Yesterday, the Histadrut reached a landmark achievement in Israel’s energy sector, securing three comprehensive collective agreements with the OPC Energy group. Marking a dramatic step forward for workers in the private power plant industry, the newly signed agreements renew terms for employees at the OPC Hadera plant while introducing first-time collective agreements at the OPC Tzomet Energy and OPC Sorek 2 power stations.

These agreements ensure a long-term industrial stability for the sector while establishing robust wage increases, enhanced social protections, and expanded pension contributions for power plant personnel.

Strengthening economic security and working conditions

Under the terms of the agreements, workers will receive annual wage increases between 4% and 4.5%, along with an immediate 400 NIS increase to their base salary. Furthermore, the agreements establish an annual bonus allocation averaging 2.5 times each employee’s monthly base salary, along with special commercial operation bonuses for workers at the Hadera and Sorek 2 facilities.

Maximum pension contribution rates have been agreed upon, and the pensionable salary base for shift workers has been expanded. At the same time, employee benefits, including vacation leave, recuperation pay, travel allowances, catering, and general welfare, have been significantly upgraded.

“The private power generation sector is one of the most vital and rapidly growing infrastructure industries in the economy, and today we are taking a significant step forward,” stated Histadrut Chairman Arnon Bar-David. “The three agreements signed at OPC set a new standard for industrial relations and bring real improvement to working conditions. The workers are the driving force behind the group’s success, and it is only right that this prosperity is reflected in their wages and well-being.”

Building sector-wide standards through collective bargaining

This milestone is part of Histadrut’s strategic campaign to establish comprehensive sectoral standards for all private power stations in Israel. The campaign, led by Adv. Tehila Benishu, Deputy Director of the Trade Union Division, aims to ensure that rapid growth in private energy directly translates into employment security and fair compensation.

“The private energy sector is growing and vital, and workers are a core component of its success,” said Adv. Tehila Benishu. “The agreements signed today set a new benchmark in the sector and embody the strategy we are leading across private power plants, ensuring that sector growth yields employment security, proper wages, and modern working conditions.”

Protecting worker rights and guaranteeing high-quality employment in a growing private sector is at the centre of our energy policy. Expanding collective bargaining into newly emerging and private infrastructure sectors ensures that energy transitions remain equitable, preserving worker dignity while fostering sustainable economic growth. The Histadrut is committed to organising workers in critical infrastructure and championing fair labour standards across every-growing sectors of the economy.