The Israel Airports Authority workers committee is threatening to close down Ben Gurion Airport on Tuesday, to protest the employment terms of contract employees.
The Airports Authority management rejects the workers committee's claims, saying that the contracts between it and the contractors were signed with the consent of the workers committee. It adds that these contracts explicitly detail the employer's responsibility to pay employees in accordance with fair labor and wage agreements, including all legally mandated social benefits. The contracts also stipulate that in the event that a contractor violates its obligations, employees have the right to petition the proper authorities.
The Airports Authority management claims that the workers committee preferred to clarify the matter in the media, rather than contact the authorized agencies, including the Airports Authority. The Airports Authority management doubts the honesty of the workers committee's concern for the contract employees.
The Airport Authority workers committee has frequently threatened to call strikes in recent months, citing violations of labor and wage agreements. Among other things, the workers committee is protesting the Airports Authority's intention to ban nepotism by its employees. Several months ago, the workers committee prevented the loading of agricultural cargoes, although it was unable to block passenger traffic. Threats of other strikes were cancelled at the last moment.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on May 14, 2006
Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2006
