Daijiworld Media Network – Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv, Feb 19: The Histadrut on Wednesday announced an official labor dispute in Israel’s aviation sector, opposing a Transport Ministry plan to establish a local operations base for Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air.
The labor federation said allowing Wizz Air to operate a base in Israel would negatively impact airport employees’ working conditions, wages, employment security and labor rights.
During discussions earlier this week with aviation industry officials, Histadrut representatives expressed professional concerns, claiming the decision was taken without sufficient preparatory work and despite reservations from senior figures within both the aviation sector and the Transport Ministry.
In an official statement, the federation described the move as “throwing sand in the eyes of the public” and accused authorities of disregarding workers who had continued operations during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and missile attacks.
“In the world of labor relations, there is no such thing as unilateral decisions, including in the aviation industry, which requires broad national coordination,” said Deputy Chairman Roy Yaakov.
He warned that establishing a foreign airline base without an in-depth review could harm employment security, industry stability and Israel’s national interests. “The Histadrut will use all the tools at its disposal to stop the harm to workers and the public interest,” he added.
Attorney Eyal Yadin, Chairman of the Transportation and Seaport Workers’ Union, said the federation supports competition but opposes what he termed “unfair competition” that grants an unreasonable advantage to a foreign operator at the expense of Israeli workers and companies.
“In a sensitive industry like aviation, it is impossible to make decisions that undermine operational and security stability,” Yadin said, insisting that any reform must be implemented with professional planning and worker protections.
Transport Minister Miri Regev rejected the Histadrut’s claims, calling the dispute announcement a “shaming campaign” against her.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Regev said the “Aviation Justice” reform — which includes establishing Wizz Air’s base — aims to boost competition, reduce airfare, improve service quality and expand flight destinations.
“The freedom of movement of Israeli citizens also depends on competitive airfares,” she wrote, arguing that bringing carriers such as Wizz Air to Israel would benefit the public.
Regev also accused Israeli airlines of exploiting consumers during the Israel-Hamas war and noted that they had received state support during the COVID-19 crisis.
The labor dispute affects more than 11,000 employees, including staff of El Al, Arkia, Israir and Air Haifa, as well as the Israel Airports Authority.
The Airports Authority operates Ben-Gurion Airport, Ilan and Asaf Ramon Airport, Haifa Airport and smaller landing sites in Herzliya and Rosh Pina.
The dispute sets the stage for potential industrial action in a sector critical to Israel’s connectivity, as the government pushes ahead with reforms aimed at liberalising the aviation market.