Histadrut

Labor union will not join hostage families' strike calling for an urgent deal

The chairman did commit to calling on management and worker committees to allow any employees who wish to participate in the protest events and solidarity rally scheduled for August 17. 

Histadrut Chairman Arnon Bar-David with families of hostages, August 11, 2025.
 Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich (center) with Histadrut head Arnon Bar-David (right of center), Presidency of Business Organizations chair Dubi Amitai (left of center), and others announcing compensation for businesses, June 23, 2025.

Government, labor associations announce compensation for businesses amid Iran war

An empty classroom in a school in Givatayim amid the teachers' strike. May 6, 2025.

Court rules: Teachers who took sick leave as protest must return to work

 Histadrut Labor Federation Chairman Arnon Bar-David (L) and Histadrut leader and founder Yitzhak Ben-Aharon (R) on the forefront of a demonstration in Tel Aviv (illustrative)

Bar-David’s attempt to relive Histadrut’s glory days falls flat - analysis


Israeli labor court rules: Ongoing strike is 'political,' to conclude at 2:30 p.m.

Israel’s National Labor Court declared the Histadrut’s general strike illegal, leading to its immediate end. Finance Minister Smotrich praised the ruling.

Histadrut chair Arnon Bar-David and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seen over the backdrop of protests in Tel Aviv (illustrative)

Legal disputes reach courts as Histadrut threatens to extend strike

The legal challenges came as reports indicated that the Histadrut is considering extending the strike to Tuesday as well.

 HISTADRUT CHAIRMAN Arnon Bar-David attends a Histadrut conference in Tel Aviv, last year. Says the writer: Many left-wing American Jews got confused and uneasy; is the only Jewish state socialist or has it become capitalistic?

Israel comes to a halt: Which institutions are striking?

In an attempt to prevent the strike, Attorney-General Gali Baharav Miara appealed to the State Attorney overnight, instructing it to contact the Labor Court for injunctions. 

Israelis rally in Tel Aviv calling for a release of all hostages in the Gaza Strip, September 2, 2024

Gali Baharav-Miara moves against general strike amid Histadrut's call for hostage deal

Attorney General Baharav-Miara directed prosecutors to seek a strike injunction. Histadrut's Bar-David criticized political delays and emphasized urgent hostage negotiations.

 Gali Baharav Miara

Thousands protest, airport to close, general strike called, demanding the return of hostages

Ben-Gurion Airport will close on Monday due to widespread strikes and protests demanding the return of hostages.

 Tens of thousands of protestors march behind the marchers carrying coffins representing the 6 hostages who were murdered at the end of last week, headed for Begin Street in Tel Aviv.

With an overwhelming majority, Meretz and Labor approve merge, becoming the Democrats

The Labor Party conference approved a merger with Meretz, strengthening Yair Golan’s control. Despite criticism, the agreement passed with an overwhelming majority.

 Yair Golan facing the crowd before his speech following the vote to merge Meretz and Labor parties

Labor federation head throws support behind hostage family march to Jerusalem

Protest organizations and the family members of hostages have been calling on Bar-David to call for a general strike that would shut down Israel's economy.

"Marching for a Deal - until they return, we are all hostages". Families of the hostages and supporters head for Jerusalem.

Hundreds of freelancers come together in event to mark partnership with Bank Hapoalim

According to the federation, the purpose of the partnership was to grant freelancers and small business guidance and various benefits without payment for two years. 

 Heads of Freelancers Forum, CEO of Bank Hapoalim, Histadrut labor federation, and Deputy CEO of Bank Hapoalim  at the event in April.

Israel's labor union head attacks Netanyahu, vows to protest against gov't

Bar-David also promised that the Histadrut would join protests and demonstrations against the current government, sparking concern over a potential strike across Israel's work sector.

 Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference at the Ministry of Defense, in Tel Aviv on January 18, 2024

Decline in safety violations on construction sites in 2023

More missiles and public involvement mean fewer accidents.

 Training at a construction site.

Health fund psychologists, private therapists to get government grants

The huge numbers of traumatized Israelis who were wounded, lost loved ones, homes, and businesses on October 7 need emotional support and therapy.

 People gather and light candles to remember the victims who were murdered by Hamas militants at Dizengoff Square in Tel Aviv, October 17, 2023.