Welfare Ministry Employees Hold One-Day Warning Strike

On Wednesday, January 28, employees of the Welfare and Social Services Ministry held a one-day warning strike to protest “unilateral changes” being implemented by the ministry. With the approval of the Union of Social Workers and the Histadrut labor federation, some 3,000 workers – probation officers, social workers, and child investigators – went on strike, effectively shutting down all necessary welfare services throughout the country.

Inbal Herrmoni, an activist in the Social Workers' Union, speaks before a demonstration in Tel-Aviv against privatization of social services.

Inbal Herrmoni, an activist in the Social Workers’ Union, speaks before a demonstration in Tel-Aviv against measures taken by the Welfare Ministry detrimental to its workers. (Photo: Atideinu)

The employees are protesting against changes carried out by the ministry with regard to their job descriptions, duties, and increase in workload without financial compensation – all without any negotiations with employee representatives. According to the union, the strike on Wednesday was also triggered by the ministry’s decision to suspend six child investigators who met with the workers’ association regarding the labor dispute declared in June of last year. “The Welfare Ministry is attacking the legitimate right of every employee to exercise the right to unionize,” said Safra Dweck, head of the workers’ association. “Management is operating in an offensive and vindictive manner, and is attempting to impose its authority and uproot experienced and dedicated professionals through intimidation and persecution.”